Description
A Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is primarily used to detect tissue damage in the body by measuring the level of LDH enzyme in the blood, which is released when cells are damaged, indicating potential injury to organs like the heart, liver, muscles, kidneys, or red blood cells; this test can help identify the location and severity of tissue damage and monitor the progression of certain conditions like cancer or muscle diseases.
Key points about the LDH test:
What it measures: The amount of LDH enzyme present in the blood.
Purpose: To check for tissue damage caused by injury, disease, or certain medical conditions.
Important factors:
- High LDH levels can indicate tissue damage.
- Different tissues have different LDH isoenzymes, which can help pinpoint the source of damage.
- The test can be used to monitor treatment effectiveness for conditions like cancer.
When an LDH test might be ordered:
- Suspected heart attack
- Muscle injury
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Cancer diagnosis and monitoring
- Anemia
- Monitoring of certain medical conditions
Fasting not required
