Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity in Serum/Plasma by Electrophoresis
This test measures the activity of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which helps assess cell damage or metabolic health in your blood.
["LDH levels can indicate tissue injury or metabolic processes in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13887-5
- Short code
- LDH2 CFr Ur Elph
- Synonyms
- LDH2 CFr Ur Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- 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
- 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
What Is LDH Used For?
LDH is often checked to evaluate conditions affecting muscle, liver, heart, or red blood cells. Elevated levels may suggest damage to these tissues, while certain patterns can help diagnose specific disorders like certain cancers or infections.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn, and the LDH enzyme activity is measured using electrophoresis, a technique that separates proteins based on size and charge. This helps determine the total LDH activity in your serum or plasma.
Common Conditions Monitored
LDH testing may be used in diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), liver disease, muscle injuries, certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma), or hemolytic anemia (red blood cell breakdown).
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not given in absolute numeric ranges here due to variability in testing methods and patient conditions. Your healthcare provider will interpret the result in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
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.
Elevated LDH levels can signal widespread tissue damage or metabolic stress, but interpretation depends on the context. For example, muscle injury may raise LDH, while certain cancers or infections may show distinct patterns. Always discuss results with your doctor to understand their relevance to your health.
Short name
LDH Activity
Frequently asked questions
How often is LDH tested?
What are typical symptoms that might lead to LDH testing?
Can LDH levels change with diet or exercise?
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