Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Background

LDH is the enzyme which catalyses the reversible conversion of lactate to pyruvate. Since this reaction is an integral part of the glycolytic pathway of carbohydrate metabolism, LDH is present in virtually all body tissue.

Elevated LDH can be caused by damage to nearly any body tissue but is most frequently requested along with ALT and CK to monitor myocardial infarction and for monitoring the treatment of metastatic carcinoma.

Reference ranges

100 – 250 U/L

Associated diseases

Higher than normal levels:

• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA, stroke)
• Heart attack
• Haemolytic anaemia
• Hypotension
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Intestinal ischemia (blood deficiency) and infarction (tissue death)
• Liver disease
• Muscle injury
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neoplastic states
• Pancreatitis
• Pulmonary infarction

Specimen requirements

Sample type:

• Serum or Lithium Heparin Plasma

Sample identification:

• Three patient identifiers from
  • Name
  • D.O.B.
  • Address
  • N.H.S. number
  • Unit Number
  should match on the specimen and request form. This check may be performed prior to centrifugation by the Central Sort department.

Turnaround time

2 hours