LDH Test - Price, Purpose, Preparation, Reports, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) 

LDH, or lactic acid dehydrogenase, is an enzyme that speeds up the chemical reactions in your body. In other words, an LDH is a protein utilized by your body to turn sugar into energy. LDH is found in all body parts, especially your muscles, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and red blood cells. Therefore, a test can help detect various conditions, including heart and liver disease, muscle injury, or certain types of cancer.

A doctor may suggest an LDH test to measure the LDH level in your blood. However, LDH levels can also be measured using the spine (cerebrospinal fluid), the belly peritoneal fluid, and the chest (pleural fluid). 

Having a small amount of LDH in your blood is normal; however, high levels can indicate certain diseases or injuries, such as: 

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Certain types of cancer

Earlier, doctors recommended an LDH test to help diagnose and monitor heart attacks. Nonetheless, the test alone cannot confirm what damages your tissue; other tests may also be recommended to help diagnose the condition. 

Common symptoms associated with the need for testing include infections, chest pain, fever, hemolysis, or drug reactions suggestive of tissue damage. Besides, if you have melanoma, multiple myeloma, or any other type of cancer, a doctor may suggest an LDH test.

Effective screening and accurate, early diagnosis can help improve quality of life and reduce treatment costs. 

So, why wait? If your healthcare provider has suggested the test based on your current medical condition or symptoms suggestive of the same, get yourself tested immediately. Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab-Redcliffe Labs offers an LDH test at your doorstep with a home sample collection facility and the most accurate reports within a given time.

Test Details:

What is the purpose of a lactate dehydrogenase test?

The LDH test is used for several purposes, including: 

• To help diagnose and monitor diseases that cause cell damage: The first and foremost reason a healthcare provider suggests a lactate dehydrogenase test is to detect tissue damage, including heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, hypothyroidism, lungs, or red blood cells. This can occur due to injury, inflammation, or disease. 
• Aids in monitoring various conditions: The test also helps monitor diseases affecting the liver and blood, including anemia, kidneys, heart attacks, pancreas, certain cancers, and muscle injury. Additionally, it helps differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis.
• Monitor treatment: Measuring LDH levels also helps monitor cancer treatment. LDH treatment can track whether the treatment is working.
• Helps detect fluid buildup: The LDH test helps detect damage when performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or pleural fluid.

Other Conditions When a Doctor May Prompt for an LDH Test:

An LDH test may also be performed to: 

• Help monitor other conditions: Conditions such as muscular dystrophy and HIV can get worse over time. Therefore, an LDH test may be used. 
• Rules out the seriousness of certain cancers: A doctor may also order the test to determine the severity of certain types of cancers, such as leukemia, testicular cancer, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma. 
• Medications: If you are consuming drugs such as anesthetics, aspirin, cocaine, narcotics, statins, or steroids, your LDH measurements can be elevated. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare professional orders LDH testing, get it done immediately. Early screenings have the potential to detect a disease early and provide personalized treatment before it progresses to an untreatable, ultimately fatal stage.

What happens during the LDH test?

The blood-collecting expert/phlebotomist uses a small needle to collect a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm into a test tube or vial. This process usually takes less than five minutes. A doctor usually recommends an LDH blood test to measure LDH levels.

The LDH blood test is non-invasive, posing no risk aside from a little sting when the needle goes in or out. However, if you experience excessive bleeding, infection, or any unusual symptoms, seek medical aid immediately to overcome complications.

Additionally, if a healthcare professional suspects you have a condition that may affect LDH levels in other body fluids, you may have procedures that may include: 

A lumbar puncture, or “spinal tap.” 

During the lumbar puncture test, a needle is inserted into your lower back (spinal canal) to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing. The test helps check for conditions such as meningitis, brain or spinal cord injury, and other neurological problems. 

A thoracentesis

A fluid sample will be removed from the space around the lungs, known as the pleural space. The test helps diagnose the cause of pleural effusion, which is often linked to infections, cancer, or heart failure. 

A paracentesis or “abdominal tap”

The test evaluates various abdominal problems, such as acute abdomen, abdominal injury, ascites, or peritonitis. 

Note: Testing LDH levels in these fluids helps a doctor learn about tissue damage or inflammation in specific body areas.

How can you prepare for the LDH test?

You do not need any special preparations for the LDH test except to remember a few things: 

• No alcohol consumption: You should not consume alcohol before the blood test. It can affect sugar and fat levels, giving accurate test results. 
• Eat your regular meals: The test does not include fasting so that you can eat your regular meals. Avoid non-veg foods to prevent any interference with the test results. 
• Stay hydrated: A good hydration level helps make the blood draw easier. Being well-hydrated helps find a vein that can be easily punctured. Ideally, drinking at least 64 ounces of water 24 hours before the blood test reduces the chance of multiple punctures. 

Consult your healthcare provider before the test to clarify any doubts and help improve the accuracy of LDH blood test reports. 

What do the LDH test reports indicate?

The LDH test reveals lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in your blood or other body fluids. The LDH test report might indicate: 

Normal range: 

Typically, the normal range for LDH is between 140 and 180 U/L. However, this range may vary depending on the lab where the test is performed. 

High LDH levels (above 222 U/L): 

Higher-than-normal LDH levels may pinpoint tissue damage from a disease, injury, or infection. Underlying conditions that are responsible for elevated LDH levels include: 

• Sepsis
• Blood cancer
• Bone fracture
• Muscle trauma
• Muscular dystrophy
• Heart attack
• Pancreatitis
• Lung disease
• Kidney disease
• Anemia 
• Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, HIV, and mononucleosis. 

Additionally, abnormal LDH levels may indicate that the cancer treatment is not working and the kidneys are not working properly.

Low LDH levels: 

Although rare, lower-than-normal LDH levels may be caused by a rare genetic condition called lactate dehydrogenase. Too much vitamin C consumption may also cause lower LDH levels. 

Who should take the LDH test?

A healthcare professional suggests an LDH test to diagnose tissue damage and monitor certain medical conditions. The test is mainly indicated to individuals: 

• Complaining about unexplained pain or inflammation: Doctors recommend an LDH test to those who experience unexplained pain or inflammation. It aids in detecting tissue damage. Increased LDH levels can pinpoint injury to the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, muscles, or even blood cells. 
• Experiencing symptoms of blood disorders: The lactate Dehydrogenase test is also suggested to individuals complaining about symptoms of blood disorders. These may include unexplained fatigue or weakness, frequent infections or fevers, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. 
• Symptoms suggestive of organ damage: The test can help show which organ of your body, such as the heart, liver, or kidneys, is likely to be damaged. 
• Getting treatment: The test is also beneficial for cancer patients. The LDL levels help track how well the treatment, including chemotherapy, works. 
• Symptoms of viral meningitis: In addition to the above reasons, the test may be ordered for those showing signs of viral meningitis, such as bad headache, nausea, vomiting, or sudden high fever. 

An LDH test is versatile and helps a professional diagnose various conditions. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual signs or symptoms, and follow your doctor’s advice. 

LDH Test Price - Redcliffe Labs

Redcliffe Labs is known for state-of-the-art diagnostic services, ensuring precision and reliability in test results. You can also opt for home sample collection, saving time and effort. LDH test results are available within 12 hours. 

Call us today or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book the test online. The LDH test price with Redcliffe Labs is Rs 299. 

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.