Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the activity level of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in your blood. LDH helps convert lactate to pyruvate during energy production.
["LDH levels can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting cells, such as heart attacks, muscle injuries, or certain cancers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48582-1
- Short code
- LH D3 SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH D3 SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order an LDH test to investigate symptoms like chest pain, unexplained fatigue, or signs of tissue damage. It’s also used to check for conditions like heart attacks, liver disease, red blood cell disorders, or certain types of cancer.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic or liver panel. Avoid strenuous exercise or consuming alcohol for 24 hours beforehand if advised.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but the process is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
LDH levels can vary based on health conditions, age, and other factors. Elevated levels may indicate damage to cells in organs like the heart, liver, or muscles, while lower levels might suggest certain blood disorders or genetic conditions.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
LDH is a useful marker for detecting tissue damage or disease activity. For example, high LDH can signal a heart attack, liver disease, or infections. It’s also sometimes used alongside other tests to monitor conditions like anemia or certain cancers, though it’s not specific to any single disease.
Short name
LDH Activity
Frequently asked questions
When might my LDH levels be checked regularly?
What causes LDH levels to be higher than normal?
Do I need to do anything special if my LDH is elevated?
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