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Alternative names
Lactate dehydrogenase; Lactic acid dehydrogenaseDefinition Return to top
This is a blood test that measures the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). See also LDH isoenzymes.How the test is performed Return to top
Blood is drawn from a vein or from a heel, finger, toe, or earlobe. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the serum (liquid portion) from the cells, and the LDH test is done on the serum.How to prepare for the test Return to top
Your health care provider may advise you to withhold drugs that may affect the test. Drugs that can increase LDH measurements include anesthetics, aspirin, clofibrate, fluorides, mithramycin, narcotics, and procainamide.
Why the test is performed Return to top
LDH is most often measured to evaluate the presence of tissue damage. The enzyme LDH is in many body tissues, especially the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, blood cells, and lungs.
LDH catalyzes the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate. Exercising muscles convert (and red blood cells metabolize) glucose to lactate. Lactate is released into the blood and is eventually taken up by the liver. The liver converts lactate back to glucose and releases glucose into the blood. This glucose is then taken up by resting muscles, red blood cells, and other tissues.
Normal Values Return to top
Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. A typical range is 105-333 IU/L (international units per liter).
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |