LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase Serum Test

LDH test is done as a biochemical indicator to analyse cell injury to the following: liver, lung and also in infection and anaemia
Test can also be used for cancer prognosis - levels of LDH can help estimate tumour burden

One could be prescribed an LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase Serum test by a doctor for a variety of reasons, such as:

• To determine if there is tissue damage, if yes, then how much?
• To keep an eye on serious illnesses or infections including megaloblastic or hemolytic anemias, renal failure, and liver damage.
• To assess specific types of cancer or cancer therapy.

You might get regular LDH tests depending on your health. You could get a bodily fluid LDH test to -

• Find the reason why fluid is accumulating; there are numerous possibilities including inflammation and damage. It might also be caused by an abnormality in your blood's protein content and blood vessel pressure.
• Identify whether you have viral or bacterial meningitis.

This test measures LDH levels in blood

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

A needle will be used to take blood from a vein in the arm. You will require a lumbar puncture for LDH testing of the cerebrospinal fluid (also called a spinal tap). A little needle will be put through your lower back.

Your doctor should be informed of all the medications, food additives, herbs, vitamins, and other substances you are taking before the test.

Very high LDH are seen in: 

• Marked elevation seen in megaloblastic anaemia, pernicious anaemia, Hodgkin's disease, lung and abdominal cancers

High LDH levels are seen in:

• Kidney disease, liver disease, muscle injury, heart attack, pancreatitis, leukaemia, pulmonary infarction, haemolytic anaemia, infectious mononucleosis, sepsis

In rare cases high LDH levels alone may point towards pulmonary embolism

Increased LDH levels in the blood could be an indication of sickness or tissue damage. The plasma LDH value can also tell your doctor if your condition is worsening or if your medication is effective. Based on the lab, normal blood levels of LDH can range from 140 to 280 units/liter (U/L) for adults, but they are typically higher in kids and teenagers.

A significant rise in LDH is associated with lung and abdominal malignancies, Hodgkin's disease, megaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, and other diseases. Moderately high LDH may indicate, leukemia, pulmonary infarction, hemolytic anemia, infectious mononucleosis, sepsis, muscular injury, heart attack, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and liver illness. Rarely, elevated LDH values by themselves may indicate pulmonary embolism

If your doctor determines that you have tissue injury after looking at your signs and/or the findings of earlier testing, then this test may be necessary. LDH isoenzymes testing is usually done after a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test. Even though an LDH test looks at LDH values as well, it cannot show where or what kind of tissue damage has occurred.

People with the following symptoms should do the LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase Serum:

• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Cramps while doing the exercise

To determine the location, nature, and degree of tissue injury, an LDH isoenzymes test is performed. It can aid in the diagnosis of numerous illnesses, such as -

• Heart attack
• Anemia
• Kidney illness
• Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis
• A potentially fatal blockage in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism
•  

For an LDH isoenzymes test, no extra preparation is required.

The LDH test may occasionally be recommended in addition to other tests, like a liver profile test. All liver-related enzymes will be tested as a result of this. Blood lactate dehydrogenase levels should be between 50 and 150 U/L.

• Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase
• LDH Test
• Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

The LDH test, or the lactate dehydrogenase test, measures the amount of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in the blood or other body fluids. LDH is an enzyme found in almost every cell of the body and helps produce energy. The test is used to detect tissue damage and monitor various medical conditions.

The lactate dehydrogenase test measures the presence and levels of LDH enzyme in the blood or other body fluids. It is used to identify tissue damage and monitor conditions such as anaemia, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, heart attack, muscular dystrophy, and various types of cancer. Elevated LDH levels indicate that tissue damage has occurred, although the test alone cannot specify the cause of the damage.

LDH test reports indicate the level of tissue damage and help in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions. High levels of LDH suggest tissue damage, while the specific isoenzyme profile can help identify which tissues are affected. For example, high levels of LDH-1 may indicate heart damage, while high levels of LDH-5 may suggest liver disease. The LDH blood test reports also help in assessing the severity of conditions and monitoring the response to treatment. By analyzing the levels of total LDH and its isoenzymes, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into a patient's health status and make informed decisions about further testing and treatment.

If the LDH test reports show elevated levels, it indicates tissue damage. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the damage, such as other blood tests like ALT, AST, or ALP, or imaging studies. Positive LDH test results do not always indicate a serious condition; they could also be due to strenuous exercise, rough handling of the blood sample, or other factors.

High levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicate tissue damage or disease. This could be associated with conditions like heart attack, liver disease, kidney disease, pancreatitis, muscular dystrophy, or certain cancers. High levels in an LDH test can also be caused by strenuous exercise, certain medications, or improper handling of the blood sample.

The LDH test includes multiple benefits, including the detection of tissue damage and helping to identify its underlying cause. It plays a crucial role in measuring the severity and progression of various diseases while also being essential for evaluating treatment effectiveness in conditions like cancer. Additionally, it aids in diagnosing both acute and chronic health conditions. The LDH test is also a key indicator of cell damage. When used alongside other diagnostic tests, it delivers a more complete and precise diagnosis.

No specific preparation, including fasting, is generally required before taking the LDH test. However, it is always best to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

If your LDH levels are abnormal, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to better understand what this may indicate. Your provider may order additional tests to identify the cause of the elevated levels and to monitor your condition. Following the recommended treatment plan and taking appropriate actions is crucial for your health and recovery.

Low levels of LDH are not commonly significant and are usually not considered a health problem. However, they can be affected by a high intake of vitamins C or E, and there is a rare genetic disorder that can cause low LDH levels.

The frequency of getting an LDH test depends on your health condition and the advice of your healthcare provider. It may be performed periodically to monitor disease progression or response to treatment, especially in cases of cancer or chronic diseases.

LDH test results are usually available after 6 hours, though this can vary depending on the healthcare provider and the time/day the sample is collected and processed.