: Lactate Dehydrogenase 5, Serum or Plasma, by Electrophoresis
: This test uses electrophoresis to identify and measure the LDH-5 isoenzyme fraction in a serum or plasma sample. It helps show where lactate dehydrogenase is coming from in the body and can support evaluation of liver and other tissue conditions.
[": The LDH-5 fraction is the portion of lactate dehydrogenase most associated with liver and skeletal muscle, so its measurement can help clarify the source of a raised LDH."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13890-9
- Short code
- LDH5 CFr Ur Elph
- Synonyms
- LDH5 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 Lactate Dehydrogenase?
: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the liver, muscle, heart, and red blood cells. When cells are damaged or turn over quickly, LDH can leak into the blood, so a total LDH level is a general marker rather than a specific one.
: What the LDH-5 Fraction Means
: LDH exists in several forms called isoenzymes, and electrophoresis separates them into fractions. LDH-5 is the fraction most concentrated in the liver and skeletal muscle, so a relatively high LDH-5 can point toward those tissues as the source of an elevated total LDH.
: How the Test Is Done
: A routine blood sample is collected, and the laboratory separates the LDH isoenzymes by electrophoresis and measures the relative amount of each fraction, including LDH-5. Your care team interprets the result alongside your symptoms and other test results.
: What Results Can Indicate
: An elevated LDH-5 fraction may be seen with liver or muscle injury and some other conditions, while lowered fractions may occur in certain settings. Because results are not specific on their own, they are always interpreted together with the total LDH and other clinical information.
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-5 is the isoenzyme fraction most associated with liver and skeletal muscle. Measuring it by electrophoresis can help distinguish the tissue source of an elevated total LDH, supporting evaluation of possible liver or muscle injury and certain hematologic conditions. Results should be interpreted by a clinician in the context of the full clinical picture, since isoenzyme patterns are not diagnostic by themselves.
Short name
: LDH-5 (Electrophoresis)
Frequently asked questions
: Does an elevated LDH-5 mean I have liver disease?
: Do I need to fast before this LDH isoenzyme test?
: Can medications or exercise affect the LDH-5 result?
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