ALDOLASE
Test:
144
CPT:
82085
Synonyms
Special Instructions
Expected Turnaround Time
2 – 3 days
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
2 – 3 days
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube for serum; or plasma may be used from blue-top (sodium citrate) tube, gray-top (sodium fluoride) tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection
Separate serum or plasma immediately after coagulation (30 minutes). Note: Not removing refrigerated specimens from the clot results in aldolase levels 12% to 46% higher.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis (red cells contain aldolase)
Test Details
Use
Evaluate muscle wasting process. High levels are found in progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD). Elevations occur in carriers of MD, in limb-girdle dystrophy and other dystrophies, in dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and trichinosis, but not in neurogenic atrophies (eg, multiple sclerosis or in myasthenia gravis).