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The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the level of LDH in your blood or other body fluids to check for tissue damage.
LDH is an important enzyme found in almost every cell of your body, including your blood, muscles, brain, kidneys, and pancreas. When cells are damaged or destroyed, LDH is released into the fluid portion of blood, known as “serum” or “plasma,” and can also be released into other body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds your brain and spinal cord.
Uses of the LDH Test
The LDH test is used to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, including:
- Diseases that cause cell damage
- Assessing the severity of certain cancers and monitoring patients during treatment
- Evaluating abnormal collections of fluids in the body
- Monitoring heart, lung, blood, kidney, and liver conditions
- Evaluating conditions that cause tissue damage in the brain, spine, chest, or abdomen
- Assessing the severity or stage of certain types of cancer, such as melanoma, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and testicular cancer
- Monitoring disease progression or response to treatment
Interpreting the Results
Elevated LDH levels may indicate tissue damage due to various acute or chronic health conditions.
However, an LDH test alone cannot show what is damaging your tissues or where the damage is located. Therefore, it is usually performed in conjunction with other tests to aid in diagnosing the underlying problem.
LDH testing of other bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal, chest, or abdominal fluid, may also be ordered along with other tests to evaluate conditions that cause tissue damage in these areas
Conclusion
The LDH test is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of medical conditions, including tissue damage, certain cancers, and various organ-related diseases. At our laboratory, we offer accurate and reliable LDH tests to aid in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Contact us today to learn more about our LDH test and how we can assist in your care.
