Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the activity level of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which plays a role in energy production in cells. It can help identify conditions affecting cell damage or disease processes.
["LDH helps detect tissue damage or disease by measuring enzyme levels in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95127-7
- Short code
- LAM Ag Ur Ql IA.rapid
- Synonyms
- LAM Ag Ur Ql IA.rapid
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia-rapid
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order LDH testing to investigate symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained pain, which could signal conditions such as heart disease, liver problems, muscle injuries, or certain cancers. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like anemia, infections, or metabolic disorders.
What Does a High or Low LDH Level Mean?
Elevated LDH levels may indicate damage to cells in organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, or muscles. Low levels are less common but could suggest certain blood disorders or severe infections. Results are interpreted in relation to your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to LDH Levels
High LDH is often seen in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), liver disease, hemolytic anemia (red blood cell breakdown), or certain cancers. It can also appear in muscle injuries or infections.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. If you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a history of clotting issues, your doctor may adjust your care before testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
LDH is a critical marker for assessing tissue injury or disease activity, helping doctors diagnose and manage conditions that affect cell health and energy metabolism.
Short name
LDH Activity
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal LDH level mean for my health?
How long does it take to get LDH test results?
Can lifestyle changes affect LDH levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy