Lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH)

	Exam Overview
	Why It Is Done
	Results
	What To Think About
	Audio articles:
	English

Lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that helps produce energy. It is present in almost all of the tissues in the body and becomes elevated in response to cell damage. LDH levels are measured from a sample of blood taken from a vein.

LDH levels help diagnose heart attack, lung disease, lymphoma, anemia, and liver disease. They also help determine how well chemotherapy is working during treatment for lymphoma.

Lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that helps produce energy. Results may vary widely from lab to lab.

Normal LDH levels range from 100 units per liter (U/L) to 190 U/L.

Many diseases can cause elevations in LDH levels. Other tests are usually needed to confirm a diagnosis.

If heart attack is suspected, the LDH levels will be rechecked at 24 and 48 hours to monitor for changes.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.