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Serum or Plasma Aldolase Activity

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the activity of aldolase, an enzyme involved in breaking down glucose to produce energy. It may be checked to evaluate conditions affecting muscle, liver, or red blood cells.

Quick summary

["Aldolase helps assess muscle damage, liver function, or red blood cell disorders."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10111-3
Short code
ST wave ED L-III
Synonyms
ST wave ED L-III
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ekg
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order aldolase testing if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, or unexplained pain. It can also be part of investigations for conditions like hemolytic anemia, liver disease, or muscle disorders such as myopathies.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab where aldolase activity is measured using an enzymatic method. Results are typically reported as a unit of enzyme activity per liter of blood.

What Are Common Causes?

Elevated aldolase levels may be linked to muscle damage (e.g., from injury or certain diseases), hemolytic anemia, liver disease, or conditions like inflammatory myopathies.

What Do Results Mean?

Higher than normal aldolase levels may suggest muscle or red blood cell breakdown, liver issues, or other metabolic disorders. Lower levels may indicate normal function or, rarely, certain genetic conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Elevated aldolase can signal underlying muscle or red blood cell damage, liver disease, or metabolic disorders. It is often used as a marker alongside other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.

Short name

Aldolase

Frequently asked questions

What triggers an elevated aldolase level?
Elevated aldolase can result from muscle injuries, certain infections, inflammatory diseases, hemolytic anemia, or liver problems. It may also appear in conditions affecting red blood cells or metabolic pathways.
How soon can results be available?
Results from aldolase testing are usually available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Your doctor will discuss the results with you during your follow-up.
Can lifestyle changes affect aldolase levels?
While extreme muscle damage or severe illness may temporarily raise aldolase, lifestyle factors like diet or exercise alone typically do not significantly alter this enzyme’s levels. Your doctor will consider overall clinical context when interpreting results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy