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Official Description

Aldolase

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82085 refers to the laboratory test for measuring aldolase levels in the blood. Aldolase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolic process, specifically in the conversion of glucose into energy that is usable by the body. This enzyme is predominantly found in muscle cells, which makes the measurement of its levels particularly relevant in assessing muscle health. The test is often utilized in the evaluation of patients who may be suffering from muscular dystrophy or other rare skeletal muscle disorders, as these conditions can lead to elevated aldolase levels. An increase in aldolase levels in the bloodstream can indicate damage to muscle tissue or the liver, providing valuable diagnostic information. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using an enzymatic technique to determine the aldolase concentration.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The aldolase test (CPT® Code 82085) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Muscular Dystrophy - This test is performed to monitor aldolase levels in patients diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
  • Skeletal Muscle Conditions - The test is also indicated for other rare skeletal muscle conditions that may affect muscle integrity and function, necessitating the assessment of aldolase levels.
  • Muscle Damage - Elevated aldolase levels can indicate muscle damage, making this test useful in evaluating patients with suspected muscle injury or disease.
  • Liver Damage - Since aldolase can also be elevated in cases of liver damage, this test may be utilized in the assessment of liver health in conjunction with other diagnostic evaluations.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring aldolase levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will prepare the patient for the blood draw, which includes explaining the procedure and ensuring the patient is comfortable. Next, the professional will perform a venipuncture, which is the process of inserting a needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. This step is crucial as it allows for the extraction of serum, which is necessary for the subsequent testing. Once the blood is collected, it is placed in a suitable container and labeled appropriately to avoid any mix-ups. The serum is then separated from the blood cells through centrifugation, a process that spins the sample at high speeds to separate components based on density. After separation, the serum is tested using an enzymatic technique, which involves adding specific reagents that react with aldolase to produce measurable results. The final step is the analysis of the results, which will indicate the concentration of aldolase in the serum, providing essential information regarding the patient's muscle and liver health.

3. Post-Procedure

After the aldolase test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for the patient to remain hydrated and to follow any additional instructions provided by the healthcare professional. The results of the test will typically be reviewed by the physician, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine if further evaluation or treatment is necessary based on the aldolase levels and the patient's overall clinical picture. If elevated levels are detected, the physician may recommend additional tests or referrals to specialists for further assessment of muscle or liver conditions.

Short Descr ASSAY OF ALDOLASE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF ALDOLASE
Long Descr Aldolase
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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