Aldolase Test - Price, Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure

Introduction to Aldolase Test

Aldolase is an enzyme found in high concentrations in muscle tissue, including skeletal muscles, the liver, and the brain. It breaks down sugar for energy production. High or low aldolase levels can indicate muscle or liver damage. 

The aldolase test measures the amount of aldolase enzyme in the blood. By assessing enzyme levels, it helps detect muscle and liver conditions. This test is crucial to diagnosing and monitoring muscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. It also helps evaluate liver damage and conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Your doctor may recommend the test if you have muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, or a family history of muscle disorders. Therefore, consult your doctor if you have these risk factors and get the Aldolast test from Redcliffe Labs. The healthcare provider will give you 100% correct reports on time. However, early detection of muscle and liver disease allows timely treatment, better management of symptoms, and prevention of complications.

Test details in brief

Purpose of the Aldolase Test

The purpose of the aldolase test is to diagnose and monitor the conditions related to it. 

The Aldolase test measures the levels of the enzyme aldolase in the blood. Aldolase is an enzyme found primarily in muscle tissues, including skeletal muscles and the liver, where it plays a vital role in breaking down sugars for energy. The purpose of the test is to

• High aldolase levels indicate muscle damage or diseases such as muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and other inflammatory myopathy.
• Since aldolase is also present in the liver, the test helps detect liver diseases like Hepatitis and Cirrhosis. 
• Aldolase levels help people with muscle or liver diseases track the effectiveness of treatment and disease progression over time.
• Aldolase levels are high in conditions like myopathy (muscle disease), whereas they remain normal in neurological disorders like myasthenia gravis.

Why is the aldolase test ordered?

Doctors order the aldolase test to diagnose and monitor conditions related to muscle damage and liver disease. The test measures the aldolase enzyme in the blood, which can rise due to muscle or liver damage.

The test helps to detect muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and rhabdomyolysis. High levels of aldolase indicate muscle damage or inflammation. 

Although aldolase tests are less commonly used for liver diseases today (as ALT and AST tests are preferred), aldolase levels may still be elevated in hepatitis or cirrhosis. This is not a routine test; it is ordered when a patient has muscle weakness, pain, stiffness, or fatigue without a clear cause.

What does the Aldolase Test measure?

Aldolase is a protein found throughout the body, with the greatest amount in the skeletal muscles, liver, and brain. 

The aldolase blood test measures the amount of aldolase enzymes in the blood. Aldolase is an essential enzyme involved in glycolysis, breaking down glucose for energy production. It is mainly found in skeletal, cardiac, and liver muscles. Large amounts of aldolase are released into the blood when the muscles or liver cells are damaged.

When Should I Get Aldolase Testing?

If you show signs of muscle or liver damage, your doctor may recommend an aldolase test. It helps diagnose and monitor muscle diseases and liver conditions.

• Muscular problems caused by medications
• Muscle pain and weakness due to infectious disease
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Inflammatory muscle disorders like polymyositis and dermatomyositis
• If you have muscle weakness but aldolase levels are normal, it may indicate a neurological disorder like myasthenia gravis instead of a muscle disease.

Symptoms of Myopathy include-

• Muscle weakness
• Cramps
• Stiffness
• Spasms
• Muscle pain, called myalgia

If you have these symptoms or a history of muscle or liver disease, consult your doctor about aldolase testing. 

Preparation for the Aldolase Test

The aldolase test is a blood test that requires no special preparation. Simply follow the below guidelines-

• Fasting- You do not require fasting before the aldolase test; you can eat and drink normally.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, you should avoid doing vigorous exercise for at least 12 hours before the test. 
• Medications or supplements- It is important to consult your doctor before taking any medicines before the test, as some medications might impact your test results.

The procedure of the Aldolase Test

Here is the step-by-step process of the aldolase test- 

• The medical care provider will clean the arm or sample collection area with an antiseptic solution and tie a tight band or tourniquet to make the veins more visible.
• Next, he will touch his hand to find a suitable vein and then collect the blood sample using a sterile needle.
• You might feel a little pain or discomfort during the aldolase test, but it will eventually return to normal. 
• After sample collection, the healthcare provider will put a bandage on the puncture site.
• The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within 5 days.
• Your doctor will interpret the aldolase test results and discuss any necessary follow-up based on your symptoms and medical history.

What do the Aldolase Test reports indicate?

Here is what the aldolase test reports indicate- 

Aldolase Test Normal Range

• Adults: 1.0 to 7.5 U/L (units per liter)
• Children: 1.4 to 8.1 U/L (Slightly higher levels due to muscle growth)

High Aldolase levels

• Muscular dystrophies such as Polymyositis or dermatomyositis, Rhabdomyolysis, and Myositis (muscle inflammation)
• Liver Conditions such as Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Low Aldolase Levels

• Advanced muscular dystrophy 
• Muscle atrophy due to aging or neurological conditions

If your aldolase levels are abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests like CK, AST, ALT, or muscle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Who should take the Aldolase Test?

The Aldolase test is recommended for individuals showing signs of muscle or liver disorders. It helps diagnose, monitor, and differentiate various muscle and liver conditions.

• People with muscle-related symptoms, such as

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Muscle stiffness or swelling
• Muscle fatigue
• Difficulty performing daily activities

• People suspected of having muscle disorders:

• Muscular dystrophy
• Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Myositis (muscle inflammation)

• People with liver disease symptoms:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Abdominal pain 
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Patients undergoing treatment of muscle or liver conditions.

If you have muscle pain, weakness, or liver symptoms, consult your doctor about an aldolase test. They may also recommend tests like CK (Creatine Kinase), AST, ALT, or LDH for better diagnosis.

Is there any risk of the Aldolase Test?

There is no or minor risk of the aldolase test. Here are some risks you must know-

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma
• Infection

Aldolase Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The Aldolase test is available at Redcliffe Labs at cost-friendly price of Rs 760. You can book your test online or call our agents for your appointment. We have a team of professional and experienced phlebotomists who will collect your blood sample with a painless procedure. Our labs follow the highest quality standards as per international guidelines. We have fully automated machines with the latest technology, and the reports show that we have undergone 50+ internal and external quality checks. We are trusted by 50,000+ doctors across India. Our highly affordable test prices ensure you will get the reports on time.

Aldolase Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer Aldolase Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book the Aldolase Test With Redcliffe Labs!

The aldolase test assesses muscle and liver health. It measures aldolase enzymes in the blood and helps detect conditions like muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, myositis, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience muscle weakness, pain, stiffness, or liver-related symptoms like jaundice or fatigue. Choose Redcliffe Labs to get 100% correct reports from certified labs. We ensure that the aldolase test reports are provided within TAT.

Book your test quickly to detect muscle disorders, liver diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Early diagnosis helps in timely treatment and better health outcomes.

Book your Aldolase test with Redcliffe Labs today for quick, hassle-free, and reliable testing services. Take a proactive step towards your health by scheduling your test now!