Description
The LDH blood test measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in your blood, an enzyme found in many body tissues, including the heart, liver, muscles, kidneys, lungs, and blood cells. LDH plays a key role in the body’s energy production by converting lactate to pyruvate.
Purpose of the Test
- Detect tissue damage: LDH levels rise when tissues are damaged by injury, disease, or inflammation.
- Monitor disease progression: Helps track conditions such as liver disease, anemia, heart attack, or muscle injury.
- Support cancer diagnosis or monitoring: Elevated LDH may be seen in certain cancers and can indicate disease progression.
- Identify hemolytic conditions: High LDH levels may indicate red blood cell destruction.
Conditions Associated with Abnormal LDH Levels
- High LDH: Can indicate heart attack, liver disease, muscle trauma, anemia, certain cancers, infections, or kidney disease.
- Low LDH: Rare, but may be associated with certain vitamin deficiencies or genetic conditions.
How the Test is Performed
- A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
- No fasting is usually required unless other blood tests are being performed at the same time.
Why a Doctor May Order This Test
- To evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained pain, or swelling.
- To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for certain diseases.
- To investigate suspected tissue damage or hemolytic anemia.
- As part of a broader diagnostic panel to assess organ function.
Fasting Not Required
The LDH test is a general marker of tissue injury and is often interpreted alongside other lab tests to determine the underlying cause of elevated levels.
