Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the conversion of glucose to energy within the body. LDH is found in various organs, including the liver, heart, muscles, and blood cells. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test is a blood test that measures the levels of LDH in the blood. The test is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, including liver disease, muscle damage, and cancer.

What is an LDH Test?

An LDH test measures the amount of LDH in the blood. The test is usually ordered by a healthcare provider to diagnose or monitor a variety of medical conditions, including:

Liver disease
Heart attack
Hemolytic anemia
Muscular dystrophy
Cancer
The test is often ordered along with other blood tests to obtain a complete picture of a patient’s health status. LDH levels can also be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for certain conditions, such as cancer.

Normal LDH Values

LDH levels vary depending on age, sex, and health status. However, in general, the normal range of LDH levels in adults is between 140 and 280 units per liter (U/L). LDH levels in children may be higher.

LDH levels can also vary depending on the type of tissue or organ from which the enzyme is released. For example, LDH levels are usually higher in the liver, heart, and muscles than in other organs.

Interpreting LDH Test Results

LDH test results are usually reported in units per liter (U/L). Abnormal LDH levels may indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition.

High LDH Levels

Elevated levels of LDH in the blood may indicate:

Liver disease
Heart attack
Hemolytic anemia
Muscular dystrophy
Cancer
Low LDH Levels

Low levels of LDH in the blood are not typically a cause for concern. However, low LDH levels may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LDH?
LDH is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the conversion of glucose to energy within the body.

What does an LDH test measure?
An LDH test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.

Why is an LDH test ordered?
An LDH test is usually ordered by a healthcare provider to diagnose or monitor a variety of medical conditions, including liver disease, heart attack, hemolytic anemia, muscular dystrophy, and cancer.

What are normal LDH levels?
The normal range of LDH levels in adults is between 140 and 280 U/L.

Conclusion

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test is a blood test that measures the levels of LDH in the blood. The test is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, including liver disease, muscle damage, and cancer. LDH levels can be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for certain conditions. If you have concerns about your LDH levels or have been instructed by your healthcare provider to have an LDH test, it is important to follow their instructions and discuss the results with them.

Table 1: Normal LDH Levels