Aldolase, Serum

What it is:
Aldolase is an enzyme involved in breaking down glucose for energy, found mainly in muscle tissue and the liver. The serum aldolase test measures its level in the blood, often used to evaluate muscle damage or certain metabolic conditions.

Uses

• Diagnose and monitor muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis

• Evaluate liver diseases (less commonly, as ALT/AST are more specific)

• Assess causes of muscle weakness or unexplained high creatine kinase (CK) levels

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

• Muscle weakness or fatigue

• Muscle pain or tenderness

• Difficulty climbing stairs or lifting objects

• Joint pain with muscle symptoms

• Signs of liver disease (in selected cases)

Abnormal Results

• High aldolase levels:

  • Muscle disorders (muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis)

  • Muscle injury or trauma

  • Recent vigorous exercise

  • Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

  • Certain cancers

• Low/normal aldolase levels:

  • Normal muscle and liver function

  • Low values generally not clinically significant

Risks

• Minimal, limited to standard blood draw risks (mild pain, bruising, dizziness).