Table of Contents
An aldolase test is performed to check for muscle disease by measuring the aldolase enzyme in your blood. Your body transforms sugar into energy. But this is an intricate process and aldolase is a prime enzyme that is involved in this process. Though aldolase is present in your entire body, still, high concentrations are found in skeletal muscle and the liver. If there is damage to your liver or muscle, then your aldolase levels in the blood will be elevated.
The cost of an aldolase blood test is Rs.900 to Rs.1200, depending on your location and place.
Please check the price of the aldolase blood test in Delhi/NCR, your nearby centers and other details.
Test summary in the table structure
Also known as | ALS |
Test Type | Blood |
ALT test includes | diagnose and monitor certain conditions that damage the skeletal muscles and organs |
Preparation | 8-12 hours of fasting is required |
Reporting | Within 24 hrs |
Test price | The cost of an aldolase blood test is Rs.900 to Rs.1200, depending on your location and place. |
Also included in | Health Insurance Plans |
Related tests | CBC, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) |
Purpose of the Test
The core purpose of this test is to diagnose and monitor various conditions that may damage the skeletal muscles and organs.
This test may portray muscle or organ damage that has occurred due to injury or a condition that influences the muscles or organs. Your doctor may recommend this test along with other muscle enzyme tests to diagnose various muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis.
By performing this test, your doctor will understand the cause of certain muscle disorders. Many muscle disorders may start in the nervous system and cause muscle weakness or pain. The aldolase test helps your doctor to know more about whether the source of these muscle problems starts from the nervous system or in the tissues of the muscles themselves.
Sometimes, your doctor may refer to this test for patients who are receiving treatments for muscle diseases. By checking the value of the test, the doctor can understand how a patient is responding to treatment.
When is this test recommended by your doctor?
- Aldolase testing is primarily used to diagnose myopathies. This is a popular muscle disorder.
- If you are having inflammatory muscle disorders like polymyositis and dermatomyositis
- If you are suffering from Rhabdomyolysis (a process in which muscle tissue breakdowns)
- If you are suffering from muscle pain and feebleness due to infectious disease
- If you are taking medications that are responsible for muscle pain
Symptoms Associated with Myopathy Are
- Muscle numbness
- Cramps
- Stiffness
- Spasms
- Muscle pain or myalgia
Aldolase testing is also beneficial for patients who have previously been diagnosed with muscle disease. By performing this test, a doctor can understand how a patient is getting better or worse with the treatment.
If you are having symptoms of muscle or liver damage, your doctor may recommend other enzyme tests like ALT, AST, etc. along with an aldolase test.
Test Preparation for an Aldolase Test
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for the test. You may need to do fasting 6 to 12 hours before the test. This means you can’t eat anything before 8-12 hours of the test.
Exercise may influence your aldolase test results. Inform your doctor if you are into a regular exercise program. Your doctor may ask you to restrict your exercise for several days before the test. If you are taking any supplements or over-the-counter medications, your doctor may ask you to stop taking medications temporarily. Medications may hamper the test results.
The Test Procedure
During The Test
A healthcare provider will take a sample of your blood by inserting a needle into your vein on the arm. The person will tie an elastic band to enhance the flow of the blood. Your blood will be deposited into a collection tube.
After the test, the needle will be removed and the lab technician will put up a bandage or gauze at the puncture site. After the test, you may resume your normal activities immediately after the test.
The Interpretation Of The Result
Aldolase normal range is between 1.0 to 7.5 units per liter (U/L) for people 17 years and above. Normal results for people up to 16 years old can reach 14.5 U/L.
High or Abnormal Aldolase Levels
Elevated aldolase levels could be due to various health conditions, including
- Muscle damage
- Dermatomyositis
- Viral hepatitis
- Liver, pancreas or prostate cancer
- Muscular dystrophy
- Heart attack
- Polymyositis
- Leukemia
Low Aldolase Levels
Less than 2.0 to 3.0 U/L has considered low-level
Low levels of aldolase are responsible for the below-mentioned health conditions
- Fructose intolerance
- Muscle-wasting disease
- Advanced stage of muscular dystrophy
1. Excessive bleeding at the puncture site Yes, you can’t eat anything between 6 to 10 hours before the test. Myositis is an inflammation of muscles in your body. Injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, etc. are responsible for this. Two specific types are polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Myositis may cause “brain fog” and as a result, you may find difficulties in concentration, organization, and other related tasks. Myositis can affect anyone, but it is more common in women than men. Adults between the ages of 30 and 60, and children between the ages of 5 and 15 are more prone to get myositis. FAQs
What are the risks of an aldolase test?
2. Dizziness or fainting
3. Blood accumulation under the skin
4. Local infection due to the insertion of the needleDo I need to do fasting for the aldolase test?
What things are responsible for myositis?
Does myositis affect the brain?
Who is most likely to get myositis?