Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test at Sanovra Lab

LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE (LDH)  BC130

🛡️ General Tissue Damage & Inflammation Marker

₹399 ₹500

Screening for Cell Damage, Anemia & Infection

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📋 Test Details

• Report Time: Same Day.
• Sample Type: Serum (Blood).
• Fasting: Not strictly required (Random sample is accepted).
• Test Code: BC130

What is Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH)?

LDH is an enzyme found in almost every cell of your body, including the heart, kidneys, liver, muscles, and red blood cells. Its job is to help convert sugar into energy.

The Broken Cell Principle: Normally, LDH stays inside your cells. However, when cells are damaged or destroyed (due to injury or disease), they burst open and spill LDH into the bloodstream. Therefore, a high LDH level is a General Alarm that indicates tissue damage is happening somewhere in the body.

Why is this Test Prescribed?

Because LDH is found everywhere, it is a Non-Specific marker. It tells the doctor that damage is happening, but usually needs other tests to confirm where. Common uses include:

1. Detecting Anemia (Hemolysis)

Red blood cells are full of LDH. If they are being destroyed prematurely (Hemolytic Anemia), LDH levels skyrocket. It helps distinguish between different types of anemia.

2. Cancer Monitoring

Cancer cells grow rapidly and die often, releasing LDH. Doctors use this test to monitor the progression of Lymphoma, Leukemia, and other cancers. High levels often mean the treatment needs adjustment.

3. Infection Severity (e.g., COVID-19)

During severe infections like Pneumonia or COVID-19, high LDH indicates significant lung tissue damage and inflammation, predicting severity.

Other Causes of High LDH

• Liver Disease: Hepatitis or liver toxicity.
• Muscle Injury: Intense gym workouts, trauma, or muscular dystrophy.
• Heart Attack: (Though Troponin is now preferred, LDH is still a supporting marker).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can exercise raise my LDH?

Yes. Strenuous exercise breaks down muscle tissue slightly (which is how muscles grow). This can cause a temporary spike in LDH levels.

Q: Does a high result mean I have cancer?

Not necessarily. High LDH can be caused by simple things like viral infections, muscle pain, or anemia. It is a general marker, not a specific cancer test.

Q: Why shouldn't the sample be shaken?

If the blood sample is shaken roughly, the red blood cells burst in the tube (hemolysis). This releases their internal LDH into the serum, causing a False High result. Gentle handling is crucial.

Disclaimer: This test indicates general tissue damage. Clinical correlation is required to identify the specific organ involved.