Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test at Pamel Laboratories measures the level of LDH enzyme in the blood. LDH is found in almost all body tissues and is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or destroyed. This test helps detect and monitor a wide range of conditions involving tissue damage, including heart disease, liver disease, anemia, infections, and certain cancers.

LDH is also used as a tumor marker and to monitor chemotherapy effectiveness or disease progression in cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and testicular cancer.

What the Test Measures:

• The total LDH enzyme level in the blood

• May also be ordered as LDH isoenzymes for more specific organ damage detection

Purpose of the Test:

• Diagnose or monitor:

  • Tissue damage from trauma, inflammation, or disease

  • Hemolytic or megaloblastic anemia

  • Heart attack (as part of cardiac enzyme panel)

  • Liver or lung diseases

  • Certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia, testicular cancer)

• Track effectiveness of cancer treatment or disease recurrence

Sample Type: Blood sample (serum or plasma)
Fasting Required: No
Turnaround Time: 24–48 hours

Interpretation Guide:

• Elevated LDH levels: Indicate cell or tissue damage, may point to the affected organ depending on context

• Decreasing LDH in cancer patients: May signal a positive response to treatment

LDH is non-specific, so results must be interpreted with clinical findings and other tests