LDH Test: Normal Range, Importance Test Results and More

LDH is an enzyme that converts lactate to pyruvate, which your cell uses for energy. So, a person with high LDH levels if they have more lactate in their blood. The LDH test helps to diagnose and monitor conditions that may cause high levels of lactate in the blood, such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. One can do this test to check for side effects of certain medications. LDH is found in body tissues and organs, including the muscles, kidneys, brain, liver, heart, pancreas, and blood cells. 

Let's understand more about LDH, its normal range, how to reduce LDH levels, and more.

Why is the LDH Test Important?

The LDH full form is lactate dehydrogenase. The LDH test is important as it helps diagnose conditions including heart disease, liver disease, and certain types of cancers. It can also help to monitor the progression of these health issues. People should take the LDH test to know if they have symptoms of high lactate levels, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and nausea. The LDH test also measures the adverse reactions of drugs. However, after the 50s, men and women should take the LDH test every 5 years as a routine health checkup to detect any health conditions early. 

What is The Normal Range for The LDH Test?

The normal range for the LDH test is 100 to 280 units per liter (U/L). However, this may vary depending on the laboratory used. If a person has more than 190 units of LDH per liter, it may be a sign of a condition causing high lactate levels in the blood. This can cause a person to feel fatigued, have muscle weakness, and experience nausea. If the LDH test results are abnormal, following up with a doctor to determine the cause is essential.

Why Would you Need an LDH test?

Your doctor might recommend the LDH test for many reasons, these are-

• A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test is used to check for tissue damage, monitor the progression of certain conditions, and diagnose and monitor diseases that affect various organs: 

• LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, brain, blood cells, and lungs. When tissue is damaged, LDH is released into the blood. An LDH test can help determine the location and severity of tissue damage. 

• The LDH test can be used to monitor the progression of conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, and some types of cancer. 

• An LDH test can help diagnose and monitor diseases that affect the blood, liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, pancreas, brain, and spinal cord. Some examples include anemia, cancer, pancreatitis, and muscular dystrophy. 

• An LDH test can help determine the cause of fluid buildup, which may be caused by injury, inflammation, or an imbalance in blood vessel pressure and protein levels. 

• An LDH test can help determine if you have bacterial or viral meningitis. 

What Happens During the LDH Test?

The LDH test is a simple blood test. Your doctor will insert a syringe or needle in your arm to collect the blood. 

You might feel a little pinch or pain during the blood sample collection. 

Before the test, you should inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, and vitamins you are taking.

What do the LDH Results Mean?

The LDH test detects the levels of lactate dehydrogenase in the blood. Consult your test reports with your healthcare provider.

• If your LDH level is higher than normal, it indicates that you have some type of tissue damage. This can be due to disease, infection, or injury. Your healthcare expert may suggest more tests to diagnose your condition.

• If your LDH level is higher than normal, it means that you have a medical condition that requires treatment. High LDH levels could be due to intense exercise and certain medicines, including aspirin. 

• Lower than normal LDH levels are not common or considered a health problem. People who take large amounts of Vitamin C or Vitamin E can have low levels. Low LDH levels may be due to a rare genetic disorder called lactate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Learn more about laboratory tests and reference ranges and understand results.

LDH Test Normal Range

The normal range for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the blood may vary from lab to lab. Normally, the value lies between 105 and 333 international units per liter (IU/L). Here is the LDH normal range-

• Babies: 160–450 IU/L

• Children ages 1–15: 143–370 IU/L

• Ages 16 and older: 105–233 IU/L

• People assigned male at birth: 135–225 IU/L

• People assigned female at birth: 135–214 IU/L

What are the Risks or Side Effects of the LDH test?

Usually, there is no such severe risk associated with LDH blood tests. Here are a few risks that some people might cause. For the LDH blood test, they include:

• Bleeding

• Bruising at the puncture site

• Risk of infection

• Fainting or feeling lightheaded

• Multiple punctures to locate veins

• Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)

• Soreness at the site where blood was taken

The Final Words

If your LDH test results are abnormal, don't be stressed. Check your LDH levels with Redcliffe Labs, and 100% report correctness is guaranteed. High LDH levels do not always mean that you have a medical condition or require treatment.

Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to find the cause of the abnormal level. Feel free to ask your provider any queries to clarify your doubts. However, if you have any further questions about the LDH test, you should visit a doctor so that he can better guide you.

FAQ's

What does it mean if LDH is high?

A higher-than-normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in your blood usually indicates tissue damage from an injury, disease, or infection. The type of damage or disease depends on which LDH isoenzymes are high and how they compare.

What is a normal LDH level?

The normal range for adult LDH levels is 140–280 units per liter (U/L);

What happens if LDH is low?

A low level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is not a health concern and is uncommon. However, low LDH levels can be caused by a rare genetic disorder or by taking large amounts of vitamin C or E.