Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that is found in many tissues throughout the body, including the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, brain, and blood cells. LDH plays a critical role in the body's production of energy. It helps convert lactate into pyruvate, which is a crucial step in the energy production pathway within cells. When cells are damaged due to disease or injury, they release LDH into the bloodstream. Therefore, measuring LDH levels in the serum (the liquid part of blood) can be an essential diagnostic tool for various conditions and diseases.
LDH levels in the serum can help doctors assess the extent of tissue damage, monitor disease progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in certain conditions. It is a relatively nonspecific test, as elevated levels can be seen in various conditions, so it is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.
Test NameLDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) - Serum
Sample TypeSerum
Preparations RequiredNo fasting required. No special preparation is needed for this test.
Report Time4 hours
What is the significance of measuring LDH levels in the serum?
LDH levels in the serum are often used as a general marker of cell damage or cell death. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as hemolysis, heart attack, liver disease, muscle injury, or certain types of cancer.
How is the LDH test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory, where the level of LDH in the serum is measured.
Home Sample Collection Process
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Book your convenient slot
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Sample Collection by Phlebotomist
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Reporting of the sample at lab
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor may order an LDH test if you have symptoms of a disease that causes cell damage, such as muscle weakness, chest pain, or jaundice. It may also be used to monitor the progression of chronic diseases.
High levels of LDH in the serum can indicate cell damage due to various causes, including heart attack, hemolysis, liver disease, muscle injury, or cancer. However, LDH is not specific to any one condition.
Yes, there are five different forms of LDH, known as isoenzymes. Each form is found in different tissues in the body. Sometimes, testing for specific isoenzymes can help to identify the location of tissue damage.
The LDH test can provide your doctor with information on the extent of cell damage or disease progression, which can be useful in determining the most effective treatment strategy for your condition.
Yes, certain medications can affect LDH levels. It’s important to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
Low levels of LDH are generally not considered clinically significant. However, in rare cases, lowered levels may be associated with genetic mutations affecting the LDH enzyme.
Normal values can range from around 140 to 280 units per liter (U/L), but this range may vary between different labs. It’s important to talk with your doctor about what your specific results mean.
The LDH test can be used as part of a group of cardiac enzyme tests to diagnose heart attacks, but it is less specific and slower to rise than other markers like troponin.
In some cases, LDH can be used to monitor the response to treatment in patients with certain types of cancer.
Exercise, injury, use of certain medications, and consuming alcohol can affect LDH levels.
The risks are minimal and may include slight pain or bruising at the site of the blood draw.
If you have abnormally high LDH levels, it’s important to consult with your doctor, who may refer you to a specialist depending on the underlying cause.
Yes, LDH levels can be elevated in various infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, and some viral infections. It is often used alongside other tests for a more accurate diagnosis.
Understanding the role of LDH and the significance of its levels in the serum can be essential in diagnosing and managing various diseases. Being informed and discussing your results with your doctor will help you to better understand your health and the steps necessary for treatment and management of any underlying conditions.
