Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > LDH Test

What is the LDH Test?

The lactate dehydrogenase or lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme in the body that is involved in the conversion of sugar into energy. It is present in various body tissues and organs such as muscles, heart, liver, pancreas, brain, blood cells, and kidneys. An LDH test measures the level of LDH in blood to identify the location as well as the severity of tissue damage in one’s body. A high LDH level may indicate tissue damage caused by any disease or injury. The test is usually performed using the plasma or serum of the blood, but sometimes other bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid which is present around the brain and the spinal cord, are also used. It is also used to monitor the progress of some forms of cancer, kidney diseases, and liver diseases. Previously, LDH tests were also used in the diagnosis and monitoring of heart attack, but now other tests are used.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    An LDH test is used to identify the presence of tissue damage, monitor certain conditions that can lead to tissue damage such as anemia, lung diseases, liver diseases, myocardial infarction, and certain infections, and the progress of treatment with chemotherapies.

    The doubts regarding the results of the LDH test should be clarified by taking a qualified healthcare professional's opinion, and self-diagnosis by the patients is not advisable. A high LDH level indicates some form of tissue damage. Diseases that can cause high LDH includes anemia, muscle injury, kidney disease, liver disease, certain types of cancers, and infections. More specific tests like LDH isoenzyme tests are required to know the location of tissue damage.

    An LDH test is suggested if a person has symptoms of tissue damage. The symptoms can vary according to the type of tissue damage and their location. A cancer patient under treatment might also require an LDH test.

    During the LDH test, blood is collected from the veins in the patient's hands. A lumbar puncture or spinal tap is required to collect the sample if the cerebrospinal fluid is being tested. For this, a thin needle is inserted at the lower back region of the patient.

    The normal range of LDH in the blood is approximately 140-280 U/L. Slight variations may be present in different laboratories. In cerebrospinal fluid, the normal range is less than 40 U/L for adults and less than 70 U/L for newborns.

    An abnormally high LDH level in the blood indicates the presence of tissue damage or certain diseases. It may also suggest that the treatment is not working.

    The values above the normal range are considered as high LDH. However, an elevated LDH may not always be a cause of concern.

    A high LDH level can indicate the presence of tissue damage, disease, and non-effective therapy, but it may not always be the cause. An elevation in more than one LDH isoenzymes can indicate multiple organ damage. Instead of panicking, seeking medical care is always advised for the patients.

    A high LDH level in COVID can indicate the poor prognosis of the disease.  Elevations of LDH to at least above 250 U/L are seen in COVID. The LDH test helps in predicting the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome in those who have been infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

    The drugs like Aspirin, Clofibrate, Colchicine, Mithramycin, Narcotics, Cocaine, Steroids, Statins, Procainamide, and Anesthetics can induce an elevation in LDH level. Do not abruptly stop taking these medications. Always consult with the healthcare professional before doing so.

    For more information, book an appointment at Yashoda Hospital.