LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase Serum Test

What Does the LDH Test Measure?

The LDH test measures specific aspects of your cellular health and tissue function:

• The amount of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme that has leaked from damaged cells into your bloodstream.
• Energy production processes within your cells, as LDH help convert sugar into energy.
• General tissue damage or cellular injury throughout your body.
• The severity and progression of various medical conditions affecting your organs.

LDH Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an LDH Test?

Your doctor may recommend an LDH test if you experience these general symptoms that suggest underlying tissue damage:

• Persistent and unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes)
• Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
• Fever or other signs of severe infection

Who Should Get an LDH Test?

Several groups of people may benefit from LDH testing:

• Patients experiencing symptoms that suggest tissue damage or organ dysfunction
• Individuals with diagnosed conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, or heart conditions requiring monitoring
• Cancer patients, particularly those with lymphoma, leukaemia, or testicular cancer, for staging and treatment monitoring
• People with severe infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, or sepsis
• Patients with certain types of anaemia or blood disorders

Why Is an LDH Test Done?

An LDH test is performed to identify the presence, severity, and progression of cell and tissue damage in your body, helping doctors diagnose and manage various medical conditions effectively.

Importance of an LDH Test

The LDH test serves as a valuable indicator of cellular damage throughout your body. When your LDH levels are elevated, it alerts your doctor that tissue damage is occurring, prompting them to conduct more specific tests to pinpoint the exact cause and location of the problem.

For patients with existing chronic diseases or cancer, tracking LDH levels over time is crucial for monitoring treatment effectiveness. A decrease in LDH can indicate that treatment is working and your condition is improving, while rising levels may suggest the disease is worsening or treatment needs adjustment.

LDH Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an LDH Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the 'LDH Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the LDH Test Available Near You?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for the LDH test through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood collection procedures. This service eliminates the need for hospital visits while maintaining the same accuracy and reliability you expect from in-centre testing. With our extensive network of over 10,000 touchpoints across India, we're committed to making quality healthcare accessible wherever you are.

How Long Does It Take to Get an LDH Test Report?

Reports are usually available 4 hours after the sample reaches the pathology lab.

Where Can I See or Get LDH Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting LDH Test Results

What Your LDH Test Results May Indicate

The following table guides understanding of your LDH test results and what different levels may indicate:

Conditions that May Affect LDH Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your LDH test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Certain medications like statins, anaesthetics, aspirin, and narcotics can affect LDH levels.
• Severe dehydration may cause falsely elevated results due to the blood concentration.
• Haemolysed blood samples (where red blood cells break down) can artificially increase LDH levels.
• Recent intense physical exercise or muscle injury may temporarily raise LDH.
• Sample handling and storage conditions can impact test accuracy.
• Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, may influence enzyme levels.

How Is an LDH Test Done?

The LDH test involves a simple blood collection procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals:

• A healthcare professional cleans an area on your arm, usually the inside of your elbow, with an antiseptic.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible and accessible.
• A sterile needle is gently inserted into a vein to collect the blood sample.
• Approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn and collected in a special gel vacutainer.
• Your sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis using the lactate-pyruvate IFCC method.

How Should You Prepare for an LDH Test?

LDH test preparation is straightforward and requires minimal preparation:

• No fasting required; you can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you're taking.
• Stay well-hydrated unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Avoid intense physical exercise for 24 hours before the test if possible.
• Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for blood collection.

Diseases that an LDH Test Can Help Detect

The LDH test can assist in detecting and monitoring various health conditions:

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction) and other cardiac conditions
• Liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis
• Various types of cancer, particularly lymphoma, leukaemia, and testicular cancer
• Haemolytic anaemia and megaloblastic anaemia
• Kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome
• Muscle disorders and muscular dystrophy
• Pulmonary infarction and lung diseases
• Severe infections and sepsis

LDH Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

The following table shows related tests and packages available at Metropolis Healthcare that complement the LDH test for comprehensive health assessment:

LDH Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of an LDH test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities:

Reference :
Klein R, Nagy O, Tóthová C, Chovanová F. Clinical and Diagnostic Significance of Lactate Dehydrogenase and Its Isoenzymes in Animals. Vet Med Int. 2020 Jun 15;2020:5346483.