What is the Lactate Dehydrogenase Serum Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test?
It is used to measure Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood and other body fluids. The other names used for the same are:
- Lactic acid dehydrogenase test
- Lactic dehydrogenase test
- LD test
Also Read: Iron deficiency anaemia
What is Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)?
It is a protein, also known as an enzyme, found in every tissue of the body. Its high concentrations are found in kidneys, muscles, liver, and red blood cells (RBCs).
What is the role of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)?
This enzyme plays a great role in making the body’s energy through a process called cellular respiration. It helps in the metabolism of glucose from the food we eat. It is released in the bloodstream when old tissues are damaged, and new ones are formed. That’s why it is common to have some amount of LDH in the blood and other body fluids.
What is the normal level of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood?
The units of measurement are – units/l (units per litre).
In newborns – 160 – 450 units/l
Child – 160 – 170 units/l
Adult – 140 – 280 units/l
What is this test used for?
This is done to check for:
- Any tissue damages
- Any disease-causing tissue damage like anaemia, liver disease, lung disease
- Severity of cancers
- Chemotherapy to check if treatment is working
What does high Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) indicate?
High levels of lactate dehydrogenase mean you have tissue damage from any trauma, infection, or disease. The cause can be:
- Anaemia
- Muscular trauma
- Muscular dystrophy
- Bone Injury, fracture
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Heart attack
- Pancreas disease
- Certain infections, including meningitis, encephalitis, infectious mononucleosis
- Certain cancers, including lymphoma, leukaemia, melanoma, multiple myeloma, and testicular cancers.
Higher than normal levels of LDH in cancer patients also indicate that the treatment isn’t working.
What does it mean to have low LDH?
Lactate dehydrogenase deficiency is a condition that affects the process of glucose metabolism and energy formation. There are two types:
- Lactate dehydrogenase – A deficiency
- Lactate dehydrogenase – B deficiency
Lactate dehydrogenase – A deficiency
People with lactate dehydrogenase-A Deficiency present with the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Muscle pains
- Cramps
- Exercise intolerance
In lactate dehydrogenase-A Deficiency, the protein myoglobin is released out of the breakdown of muscular tissue during exercise. This protein is excreted out by the kidneys via urine which turns the urine to red or brown.
Some people develop skin eruptions with lactate dehydrogenase-A deficiency.
Lactate dehydrogenase – B deficiency
People with lactate dehydrogenase – B deficiency do not show any signs or symptoms. It is usually noticed during routine blood tests. They do not have any difficulty in exercising or physical activity.
Also Read: blood glucose test
For more information, you can visit NHS and Testing.com.
