Definition

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.

See also: LDH isoenzymes

Alternative Names

LDH test; Lactic acid dehydrogenase test

How the test is performed

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this isdone, see: Venipuncture

How to prepare for the test

Your health care provider may ask you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test. Drugs that can increase LDH measurements include anesthetics, aspirin, clofibrate, fluorides, mithramycin, narcotics, and procainamide.

Why the test is performed

LDH is most often measured to check for tissue damage. The protein LDH is in many body tissues, especially the heart, liver, kidney, muscles, brain, blood cells, and lungs.

Other conditions under which the test may be done:

• Anemia of vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Leukemia or lymphoma
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Normal Values

A typical range is 105 - 333 IU/L (international units per liter).

T he examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results .

What abnormal results mean

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate:

• Blood flow deficiency (ischemia)
• Cerebrovascular accident (such as a stroke)
• Heart attack
• Hemolytic anemia
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Liver disease (for example, hepatitis)
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle injury
• Muscular dystrophy
• New abnormal tissue formation (usually cancer)
• Pancreatitis
• Tissue death

If the LDH level is raised, your doctor may order an LDH isoenzymes test.

References

Gallagher PG. Hemolytic anemias:  red cell membrane and metabolic defects In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 164.

Gregg X, Prchal JT. Red Blood Cell Enzymopathies. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 45.

Disclaimers

• The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
• A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
• Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
• Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

©1997 - A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.