Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum
Understanding Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum
What is Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum?
The Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the levels of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase in the blood. This enzyme is majorly involved in energy production and is found in nearly all of the body’s cells, with the highest levels in the cells of the heart, liver, muscles and kidneys. It is released in the bloodstream as a result of damage to the tissues following an injury.
The serum LDH test is a nonspecific test that can predict cellular injury due to tissue destruction or disease, but it does not give clues about the location of the damage. Higher than normal LDH levels can be seen in heart attack, kidney disease, and muscle injury.
What is Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum used for?
The Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Test is performed:
· To determine the presence and extent of tissue damage
· To detect progressive diseases like anemia, severe infections, etc.
· To monitor disease progress and treatment efficacy for liver and kidney diseases
· To help determine the stage and progress of certain cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, etc., and monitor treatment efficacy
What does Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum measure?
Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme which plays an essential role in the production of energy from glucose. It is present in all the cells of the body, with the highest concentrations being in the cells of heart, lungs, muscles, liver, kidneys, and RBCs. Normally, only a small amount of the enzyme is found in the serum outside blood cells. However, in certain conditions of damage to the cells, lactate dehydrogenase is secreted out of the cells into the serum, where its concentration rises. Thus, the Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Test is a nonspecific test that helps to determine the presence of conditions causing tissue damage somewhere in the body. Further tests are performed to identify the exact cause and location of these conditions.
The total lactate dehydrogenase in the body consists of five different forms of the enzymes (isoenzymes) named LDH-1 to LDH-5. The isoenzymes are present in different concentrations in different organs of the body. For example, LDH-1 and LDH-2 are most abundant in the cells of the heart, while LDH-5 is most abundant in the liver. Although the total LDH levels indicate tissue damage somewhere in the body, testing for the different isoenzymes can help identify the location of such damage.
Lactate dehydrogenase is also secreted into other body fluids in case of damage to the body tissues. It is also produced by bacteria and can be thus used to help identify bacterial meningitis.
Interpreting Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum results
Interpretations
Normal range (Approx.):
· Newborns: 160 to 450 units/L
· Infants: 100 to 250 units/L
· Child: 60 to 170 units/L
· Adult/elderly adult: 100 to 190 units/L
Higher than normal levels of lactate dehydrogenase indicates the presence of conditions causing damage to the body tissues. Further tests are performed to determine the exact location and extent of the condition.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum
Frequently Asked Questions about Lactate Dehyderogenase, Serum
Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the results of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Test are not normal?
Q. What conditions can cause high levels of lactate dehydrogenase in blood?
Q. When can false results appear in the Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Test?
Q. What are lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes?
Q. Why is the Lactate Dehydrogenase Test performed for other body fluids?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
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