Also Known As
Lactic dehydrogenase, LD Test
The Purpose of an LDH Test
Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly every tissue of the body, where it plays a vital role in producing energy. Having LDH in your system is normal and necessary, but elevated levels may signal that tissue damage has occurred. Because LDH is present in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, and muscles, damage to any of these organs can cause levels to rise.
An LDH blood test is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps detect tissue injury and monitor conditions that may affect major organs. This test ensures that your LDH levels remain within a healthy range so you can take timely action if something is wrong.
What Does the LD Lab Measure?
The LDH lab test measures the amount of lactic dehydrogenase in your blood through a standard blood draw. Because LDH is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged, abnormal levels may indicate an underlying health problem that requires further evaluation.
In some cases, an LDH blood test may be ordered alongside other laboratory tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, or cardiac enzyme tests, to provide a more complete picture of your health.
LD testing checks your levels through a simple blood draw. These levels are measured in units per liter (U/L).
Who Should Take a Blood Test for LDH?
Your physician may recommend an LDH blood test to help diagnose, evaluate, or monitor a wide range of conditions, including:
- Heart attack
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney, lung, or liver disease
- Anemia
- Muscular dystrophy
- Viral infections such as meningitis or HIV
- Certain cancers including leukemia or multiple myeloma
LD Blood Work Preparation
No fasting or special preparation is required for an LDH blood test. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous physical activity before testing, as exercise can temporarily raise LDH levels. Always follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
LDH Test Results
Normal test results are different for men and women. Men’s LDH levels should fall between 135 and 225 U/L; women’s should range from 135 to 214 U/L. If your LDH test results are above the norm, you will probably undergo further testing, depending on your symptoms and the disease you may have.
Where Can I Get a Blood Test for LDH Near Me?
It’s time to take control of your health. Personalabs empowers you to make informed healthcare decisions with quick, easy access to more than 400 tests that give you accurate results.
Here are the steps for getting an LDH lab test (or other heart and heart failure-related tests) from Personalabs:
Step 1: Depending on where you live, you may not need a doctor’s approval prior to purchasing a test. When you’re ready, select the test you want online and download the corresponding lab order (you’ll need to take it to your blood draw).
Step 2: Next, you’ll need to schedule your test at a local lab. Personalabs has partnered with leading companies Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp, so you have more than 4,000 locations to choose from. (Use our lab locator to find the facility closest to you.)
Step 3: Get your blood drawn for the LD lab test.
Step 4: Your results are sent to your secure and private Personalabs portal within 2 to 10 business days after you complete your LDH testing. (But let us know if you need your results by a specific date, and we will work with your lab to deliver the report within the requested turnaround time.).
It couldn’t be simpler to get an LD blood test. Shop the comprehensive selection of health tests at Personalabs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can cause low LDH levels in a blood test?
While high LDH levels often signal tissue damage, unusually low LDH results may be linked to genetic enzyme deficiencies or high doses of vitamin C, though such cases are rare.
Can an LDH blood test monitor cancer treatment progress?
Yes, physicians sometimes use LDH blood tests to track how well cancer treatments are working. Declining LDH levels during therapy may indicate that treatment is effectively reducing disease activity.
Is the LDH blood test safe during pregnancy?
The LDH blood test is safe for pregnant women and is sometimes ordered to help assess conditions like preeclampsia, where LDH levels may rise due to organ stress.
How is the LDH blood test used in athletes?
In sports medicine, LDH blood tests can be used to study muscle recovery and detect potential overtraining or hidden muscle injuries.
Does medication affect LDH blood test results?
Certain medications, including anesthetics, aspirin, and alcohol-containing drugs, can influence LDH levels. Patients should let their doctor know about any prescriptions or over-the-counter products they use before testing.
Can an LDH blood test be repeated over time?
Yes, repeating the LDH blood test at intervals allows healthcare providers to see whether LDH levels are stabilizing, rising, or falling, which can help guide ongoing treatment plans.
