Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity in Serum/Plasma by Electrophoresis
This test measures the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme found in many tissues, using electrophoresis to separate its different isoenzymes. LDH helps convert lactate to pyruvate, and its activity can indicate tissue damage or metabolic health.
["LDH helps diagnose conditions affecting muscle, liver, heart, or red blood cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51513-0
- Short code
- LDH2 CFr Prt Elph
- Synonyms
- LDH2 CFr Prt Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 140
- Ref high
- 280
- Critical range
- 7.2 N/A – 7.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 83615
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is LDH Electrophoresis Used For?
Electrophoresis separates LDH into its isoenzymes (e.g., LDH-1, LDH-2) based on their electrical charge. This can help pinpoint which tissues may be affected by conditions like heart attacks, liver disease, or certain cancers. For example, elevated LDH-1 is often linked to heart injury, while elevated LDH-5 may suggest muscle or liver damage.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn, and the serum or plasma is analyzed using electrophoresis. The sample is placed in an electric field, causing proteins (including LDH isoenzymes) to migrate to different positions on a gel. The results are compared to a reference pattern to identify any shifts or elevations.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order LDH electrophoresis if you have symptoms like chest pain, unexplained fatigue, or signs of organ damage (e.g., jaundice for the liver). It’s also used in monitoring conditions like muscular dystrophy, anemia, or certain cancers where LDH levels can change over time.
What Do the Results Mean?
The test doesn’t provide a single number but shows the distribution of LDH isoenzymes. Abnormal patterns (e.g., high LDH-1 or LDH-5) may signal tissue stress or disease. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
Reference range
Adult: 140-280 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
LDH electrophoresis helps identify tissue-specific damage by distinguishing between isoenzyme types. For instance, elevated LDH-1 is often associated with myocardial infarction (heart attack), while elevated LDH-5 may indicate muscle or liver injury. It’s also used in research or specialized diagnostics where isoenzyme patterns are critical.
Short name
LDH Electrophoresis Profile
Frequently asked questions
What causes LDH levels to change?
How long does it take to get results?
Can lifestyle changes affect LDH electrophoresis results?
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