Lactate Dehydrogenase - LDH
This Test is a blood test that measures the level of LDH, an enzyme found in many body tissues, including the heart, liver, muscles, kidneys, lungs, and blood cells.
LDH is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or destroyed. Elevated LDH levels may indicate tissue damage due to conditions such as hemolytic anemia, liver disease, heart attack, muscle injury, infections, or certain cancers.
The purpose of this test is to:
- Measure LDH enzyme levels in the blood
- Detect tissue damage or cell injury
- Support diagnosis of various medical conditions
- Monitor disease progression and treatment response
LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE - LDH Test
The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the amount of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in the blood. LDH is found in many tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, lungs, and blood cells.
When cells are damaged, LDH can be released into the bloodstream, causing blood levels to increase. Therefore, the LDH test can help identify or monitor tissue damage and certain diseases. However, LDH is not specific to one organ or condition, so elevated levels usually need to be interpreted along with symptoms and other laboratory tests.
LDH testing may also be used in the evaluation and monitoring of certain blood disorders, liver conditions, muscle injury, infections, and some cancers.
This Test is Recommended for Individuals:
- Being evaluated for unexplained tissue or cellular damage
- With suspected liver, muscle, or blood-related disorders
- Being evaluated for certain hemolytic anemias
- With symptoms or findings suggesting tissue injury or inflammation
- Being monitored for certain cancers or other serious medical conditions
- Requiring assessment of disease progression or response to treatment, when clinically indicated
FAQs
1. What is the Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test used for?
The LDH test measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in the blood. It can help detect or monitor tissue damage and may be used as part of the evaluation of liver, muscle, blood, and other medical conditions.
2. What does a high LDH level indicate?
A high LDH level may indicate that cell or tissue damage is occurring somewhere in the body. It can be seen with conditions affecting the liver, muscles, blood cells, lungs, and other tissues. Since LDH is not specific to a particular condition, additional tests are often needed to determine the underlying cause.
3. Can LDH levels be elevated without a serious disease?
Yes. LDH can increase for several reasons, including strenuous exercise, muscle injury, certain infections, and breakdown of blood cells in a blood sample (hemolysis). Therefore, an elevated result should be interpreted together with other clinical and laboratory findings.