Lactate Dehydrogenase, Serum

The Lactate Dehydrogenase test measures the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme in the blood. This enzyme is found in nearly all of the body’s cells, with the highest levels in the cells of the heart, liver, muscles, red blood cells and kidneys. It is released in the bloodstream as a result of tissue damage during injury. 

The LDH test is mainly used to help identify the location and severity of tissue damage in the body. It's also sometimes used to monitor how far certain conditions have progressed.

LDH is mainly used to check for tissue damage. Many types of acute (sudden) and chronic (long-lasting) conditions can damage tissues and cause high LDH levels. Thus LDH testing may be used in many different situations from bone and muscle injuries to monitoring treatment for cancer.

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme plays a crucial role in the process of converting lactate into pyruvate (a type of sugar), which is then used by the cells for energy. Under normal circumstances, it exists at low levels in the blood. However, during severe tissue damage, LDH levels rise significantly, serving as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of tissue damage.

Other names: LD test, lactic dehydrogenase, lactic acid dehydrogenase, Liver. Liver Function Test