Test Description

LDH is an enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells. This test checks for tissue damage in these areas of the body. It also aids in the process of turning sugar into energy for your cells to use. When there is damage to your cells, LDH could be release in the blood causing your result to be elevated.

When should this test be ordered?
An LDH test may be ordered, along with other tests such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), when a health practitioner suspects that a disease or condition is causing some degree of cellular or tissue damage.
High Risk · Male: <= 134 (U/L) & >= 226 (U/L); Female: <= 134 (U/L) & >= 215 (U/L);
Out of Reference Range.
Borderline Risk · None
Not applicable for this test
Low Risk · Male: 135-225 (U/L); Female: 135-214 (U/L)
Within Reference Range.
Testing Method Used
Endpoint absorbance.

Sample is stable for 4 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
As LDH levels are dependent on other conditions and improvement in those areas, may aid in normal results.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be ordered with tests that require fasting.
Drawing and Processing

tube1

  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tube
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen
References

1. Spriet LL, Howlett RA, Heigenhauser GJ (2000). “An enzymatic approach to lactate production in human skeletal muscle during exercise.”.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.