Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
The LDH test assesses the level of the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in blood. LDH participates in energy metabolism and is present in many body tissues. Elevation or decrease of LDH may indicate cell and tissue damage, as well as various diseases.
Mechanism of abnormalities: cell damage leads to LDH release into blood, which is reflected in the enzyme level during testing.
Recommended for:
- people with suspected internal organ diseases
- in acute conditions (heart attack, injury, hemolysis)
- for monitoring treatment of liver, heart, muscle diseases
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Submit fasting (8-12 hours without food)
- Water intake is allowed
- Avoid alcohol and fatty food for 24 hours
- Avoid stress and physical exertion 30 minutes before
Medications: taking medications (hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants) should be reported to the doctor
- Suspected liver, heart, kidney, or muscle damage
- Myocardial infarction
- Blood hemolysis
- Oncological diseases
- Infections and inflammatory processes
- Anemia
- Injuries and post-surgical conditions
Normal — LDH within normal range
Elevation or decrease — may indicate organ or tissue damage. Physician assessment is needed for accurate diagnosis
Which doctor to consult:
- general practitioner
- hematologist
- cardiologist (if heart attack is suspected)
- hepatologist (for liver damage)
