What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood. Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme found in the body that plays an important role in producing energy from glucose. It is found in various tissues of the body. Damage to these tissues results in the leaking of LDH into the bloodstream.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To help in detecting tissue damage in the body
- To help in the diagnosis of:
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Disseminated carcinoma
- Shock
- To help in diagnosing diseases related to heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, muscles, and blood
- To monitor and diagnose certain type of cancers
- To monitor the efficacy of treatment.
- Which medicines might increase my LDH levels?
- Aspirin
- Anesthetics
- Narcotics
- Procainamide
- What factors might affect the test results?
- Excessive exercise
- Hemolysis of blood
- Increased platelet count
- Certain medicines.
- What other tests might be ordered after abnormal LDH results?
- Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme test
- ALT
- AST
- ASP
- CBC
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history. Wear a short-sleeved or loose shirt to aid the collection of sample.
Normal range:
Newborn: 160 – 450 U/L
Children: 60 – 170 U/L
Adults: 100 – 190 U/L
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of increased LDH levels:
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Shock
- Cancer
- Muscular disorders
- Kidney diseases
- Liver diseases
- Heart attack
- Pulmonary infarction
- Hemolytic anemia
- Non-viral hepatitis.
You should get tested:
- If your doctor suspects tissue damage in the body
- If you have symptoms of the following diseases:
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Shock
- Abdominal cancer
- Lung cancer
- If you are undergoing chemotherapy
- To help in determining the stage and progress of certain cancers.
You may also need an LDH test if you are currently being treated for cancer.