LDH, Lactate Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes Test

The Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test is used to measure LDH levels in the blood. In some conditions, it may also measure LDH levels in the urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). LDH is present in many kinds of organs and tissues throughout the body. When illness or injury damages your cells, LDH may be released into the bloodstream, causing the level of LDH in your blood to rise. This test is required to measure high levels of LDH in the blood to detect acute or chronic cell damage. Abnormally low LDH levels only rarely occur and usually are not considered harmful.

Generally, no preparation is needed prior to the test. But, consult your doctor about any medications you should avoid before the test. Also, it is recommended that you should either wear a sleeve-less or a short-sleeved shirt. Wearing a shirt with full-sleeves that can easily be rolled-up is also fine. If the blood taken is also to be used for further different tests, the doctor will inform you in prior. In that case, you only need to fast for few hours.

As mentioned above, the LDH test is used to measure LDH levels in the blood. It can be concluded from the test reports that: High levels of LDH indicate some form of tissue damage. High levels of more than one isoenzyme may indicate more than one cause of tissue damage. Extremely high levels of LDH indicate severe disease or multiple organ failure. LDH levels are often used during the treatment of certain cancers to predict outcomes and monitor the body’s response to medications. LDH deficiency affects how the body breaks down sugar for use as energy in cells, particularly muscle cells.

The LDH test can be done at numerous sites such as the doctor's clinic, test center, and infirmaries: Antiseptic is used to clean the skin. An elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm to make the vein swell. In adults, blood is dragged out from the vein at the inner elbow or the back of the hand and is collected in a tube. In infants, a sharp tool called a lancet may be necessary to take the blood sample. The technician may place a bandage over the cut.