Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Price, Normal Range, Preparation & Results

What Is a Lactate Dehydrogenase Test?

A Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the level of LDH enzyme in a blood sample, and in some cases, in other body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, or peritoneal fluid.1 LDH plays a crucial role in helping your cells produce energy, especially during cellular respiration, which converts glucose into usable energy.

LDH is found in nearly all body tissues, particularly in the muscles, liver, kidneys, and red blood cells. When tissues are damaged by disease or injury, they release more LDH into the blood or other fluids. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels may indicate tissue damage but don't assess the exact cause or location of the damage.

Because of this, LDH testing is typically done alongside other diagnostic tests to help identify the underlying issue. While it is normal to have some LDH in your system, significantly high levels can be a sign of various conditions, such as an infection, heart attack, liver disease, or muscle injury. The LDH test, therefore, plays an important role in diagnosing tissue damage and understanding the extent of injury or disease.

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Price

The Lactate Dehydrogenase test is reasonably priced and can be conveniently done with home-based testing. Orange Health Labs offers home sample collection services, allowing you to take the test from the comfort of your own home. Please note that test prices may vary depending on your location and the chosen laboratory. Below are the Lactate Dehydrogenase test costs for different cities:

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Cost Across India

S.No	Test In City	Price
1	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Bangalore	₹ 350
2	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Gurgaon	₹ 350
3	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Delhi	₹ 350
4	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Hyderabad	₹ 350
5	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Mumbai	₹ 415
6	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Noida	₹ 350
7	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test in Pune	₹ 415

Preparations Before the SGPT Blood Test

Fasting Requirements

Fasting is generally not required, but your doctor may advise it if other tests are being conducted simultaneously.

Medications and Supplements

Inform your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking, as some may affect liver enzyme levels.

Alcohol and Lifestyle Factors

Avoid alcohol consumption before the test, as it can impact the results.

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Procedure

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test requires a blood sample. Once you book the test with Orange Health Labs, a professional eMedic will come to your location to collect the sample. Here's how the process works:

Preparation : The eMedic will ask you to sit comfortably, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you have.
Site Selection : The eMedic will identify a vein, typically in the inner elbow area, and clean the area with an antiseptic wipe.
Needle Insertion : A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw blood, which may cause a mild pinch or sting.
Blood Collection : The required amount of blood will be collected into a vial.
Needle Removal : After the blood is drawn, the needle will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the site with a gauze pad to stop any bleeding.
Bandaging : A small bandage will be placed over the area to protect it.

The sample collection process at Orange Health Labs takes only a few minutes, and you will receive your results within 1 to 2 days.

Why Take the Lactate Dehydrogenase Test?

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is used to identify the cause and location of tissue damage in the body and to monitor its progress. LDH is widely distributed across tissues, which is why it can be elevated in a variety of conditions. While it was historically used to diagnose and monitor a heart attack, troponin is now the preferred test for that purpose.

Today, the main use of the LDH test is as a general indicator of cell damage, including damage to muscle, liver, blood cells, and in some cancers. For people with progressive conditions, like melanoma, regular LDH testing can help monitor the condition's progression.

Doctors commonly use the LDH test for several purposes, as follows:

Checks for tissue damage.
Monitors conditions that cause tissue damage, such as anaemia, organ diseases, and certain infections.
Assesses the severity of specific cancers.
Monitors chemotherapy effectiveness for certain cancers.

Who Should Take the Lactate Dehydrogenase Test?

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is typically recommended for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of tissue damage, unexplained pain or have certain medical conditions that could affect LDH levels. Because LDH is associated with a variety of health issues, it is important to consult your doctor to understand why you need this specific test.
In general, the test is ordered if other tests or symptoms suggest that you might have tissue damage or a disease affecting your organs. If you have a condition known to influence LDH levels, such as muscle, liver, or heart disease, or certain cancers, your doctor may use the LDH test to assess the severity of your condition and monitor the effectiveness of your treatment.

Signs That You Might Need a Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

The liver plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism; therefore, any disruption in its function can lead to noticeable signs, including:

Jaundice- yellowing of the skin and eyes because of bilirubin buildup
Fatigue and weakness
Abdominal pain and swelling
Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
Dark-coloured urine and pale stools
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Itchy skin

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Results Interpretation

The table below outlines the LDH normal value/normal range, along with the interpretation of abnormal results. 2,9

Lactate Dehydrogenase	Interpretation
<140 IU/L	Low LDH levels are rare but can indicate a genetic condition called lactate dehydrogenase A deficiency (glycogen storage disease XI) or lactate dehydrogenase B deficiency. Additionally, high vitamin C consumption can cause low LDH test results.
140–280 U/L	Normal range
>280 IU/L	Elevated LDH levels usually indicate tissue damage caused by injury, disease, or infection, whether acute or chronic. Conditions such as anaemia, kidney disease, lung disease, liver disease, muscle injury, heart attack, certain infections, and cancers can lead to elevated LDH levels. In some cases, a high LDH level may also suggest that cancer treatment is not effective. Strenuous exercise can also lead to temporary increases in LDH levels. High LDH is also associated with haemolysis of the blood sample. This may happen if the sample is mishandled, exposed to extreme temperatures, or if it is difficult to collect. Additionally, if your platelet count is elevated, serum LDH levels may appear temporarily high, not accurately reflecting the actual LDH level. 6,9

FAQs on Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Cost in Bangalore: ₹ 350
Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Price in Delhi: ₹ 350
Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Cost in Gurgaon: ₹ 350
Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Price in Hyderabad: ₹ 350
Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Cost in Mumbai: ₹ 415
Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Price in Noida: ₹ 350

Yes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a protein enzyme that catalyses the conversion of lactate to pyruvate in the body.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) helps in the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and vice versa, playing a crucial role in anaerobic respiration and energy production in cells. This reaction helps cells generate energy when oxygen is scarce.

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test is used to measure the levels of LDH in the blood, helping to detect and monitor tissue damage, including heart attacks, liver disease, muscle injury, anaemia, and certain cancers. Elevated LDH levels can indicate cell damage or disease in various organs.

An LDH range of 313-618 U/L is considered elevated, suggesting possible tissue damage. It may indicate conditions like heart disease, liver disease, muscle injury, haemolytic anaemia, or certain cancers. However, further tests are needed for diagnosis.

An LDH range of 313-618 U/L indicates elevated levels, often due to tissue damage. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, as follows:

Heart damage (e.g., heart attack): Medications, possible surgery, and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis): Disease-specific medications, avoiding alcohol, and regular monitoring.
Muscle injury (e.g., muscle dystrophy): Hydration, monitoring kidney function, and rest.
Haemolytic anaemia: Treating the underlying cause, blood transfusions, and regular blood tests.
Cancer (e.g., lymphoma and leukaemia): Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, with regular monitoring of LDH levels.

Further tests are often needed to identify the specific cause, and treatment is tailored accordingly.

High LDH levels can be linked to cancer because tumors cause rapid cell growth and damage, releasing LDH. This is common in cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and metastatic cancer. While not specific to cancer, persistently high LDH may indicate active disease or poor prognosis. Monitoring LDH can help assess treatment efficacy and disease progression.

A high LDH test usually indicates tissue damage, as LDH is released when cells are injured. Possible causes include heart disease, liver disease, muscle injury, haemolytic anaemia, or cancer. Since LDH is not specific to one condition, further tests are needed to find the cause.

Treatment for elevated LDH depends on the cause, as follows:

Heart damage: Medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Liver disease: Medications, avoiding alcohol, and monitoring.
Muscle injury: Rest and monitoring kidney function.
Haemolytic anaemia: Medications, blood transfusions.
Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, with monitoring.

Your doctor will choose the best treatment based on your condition.

LDH is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, helping in the breakdown of glucose into energy, and is released into the blood when cells undergo normal turnover, such as when old cells die, and new cells form. It is found in high concentration in the muscles, liver, kidneys, and red blood cells. While small amounts of LDH are typically present in the blood or other body fluids, elevated levels may indicate tissue damage or injury.

What Does the Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Measure?

The Lactate Dehydrogenase Test measures the levels of SGPT/ ALT enzyme in the bloodstream.

SGPT is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It is also present in the kidneys, heart, and muscles in small amounts. This enzyme plays a crucial role in metabolism, helping convert proteins into energy. While mild fluctuations in ALT can occur due to factors like exercise or diet, persistently high ALT levels may indicate liver issues including fatty liver disease, alcohol-induced liver damage, viral hepatitis, and so on. ALT levels are low in healthy individuals. Thus, low ALT levels are usually not concerning. Several factors that can influence ALT levels include age, metabolic health, and levels of physical activity.

Normal Levels

The normal range for LDH is typically 140–280 U/L. However, the values differ slightly between laboratories, genders, and age:

For men, the normal range is 135 – 225 U/L
For women, the normal range is 135 – 214 U/L.
Children between 1 to 15 years generally have higher normal LDH levels compared to adults.: 143 to 370 units/L 2,5

Factors That Can Affect Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Results

Here are some of the key factors that can influence LDH test results:

Medications : Certain medications can increase or lower LDH levels. For example, drugs like narcotics, anaesthetics, and methotrexate can increase LDH levels. Always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
Recent Exercise : Intense physical activity, especially activities that cause muscle damage, can increase LDH levels. This is due to muscle breakdown, which triggers the release of LDH in muscle tissue.
Chronic Conditions
- Heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
- Liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis)
- Haemolytic anaemia (destruction of red blood cells)
- Cancer (especially cancers affecting the liver, lungs, or bone)
- Kidney disease or damage
Tissue Damage : LDH levels can increase in response to damage in organs and tissues. For example, conditions like pancreatitis, stroke, or muscle injury can lead to higher levels. 4,7
Age and Gender : LDH levels may also vary by age and gender, but this is not typically a major factor for interpreting results.

If your LDH levels are abnormal, your doctor will likely consider these factors and suggest further testing to determine the underlying cause.

When to Seek Medical Advice Based on Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Results

Here are some general guidelines for when to reach out to a doctor:

Elevated LDH levels often indicate tissue damage and are usually associated with conditions like heart attack, liver disease, certain types of cancer, muscle injury, or blood disorders (such as haemolytic anaemia). If your LDH levels are markedly high compared to the normal lactate dehydrogenase reference range, or if they are rising over time, you should contact your doctor to investigate further. Elevated LDH levels may prompt additional tests to identify the underlying cause.

Advantages of Early Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase test offers valuable insights into tissue damage and plays a key role in the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various medical conditions as highlighted below:

Early Detection of Tissue Damage : LDH is a non-specific test for identifying tissue injury within the body for various types of tissue damage, helping to identify issues in organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles.
Guides Further Diagnosis and Treatment : Elevated LDH levels can prompt further diagnostic testing (such as imaging or other enzyme tests) to find the exact source of damage, guide appropriate treatment plans and monitor current treatment. 5,8,9
Helps Monitor Disease Progression : In conditions like cancer, liver disease, or heart attacks, LDH levels can be assessed over time to monitor disease progression or response to treatment.
Assists in Identifying Haemolysis or Anaemia : LDH can indicate the breakdown of red blood cells, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like haemolytic anaemia.

Common Diseases Diagnosed by Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

The LDH test is useful in diagnosing a variety of conditions, including:

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) : LDH levels rise in the blood within 24 to 48 hours after a heart attack due to heart muscle damage. These levels typically peak within 2 to 3 days and return to normal within 10 to 14 days as the heart heals.
Liver Diseases : LDH can be elevated in liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. 4,9
Anaemia : LDH is often increased in cases of red blood cell breakdown, such as haemolytic or megaloblastic anaemia.
Certain Cancers : LDH levels may be elevated in cancers, especially cutaneous lymphoma, leukaemia, and metastatic cancers, as they often involve tissue damage or rapid cell proliferation. 6,7,9
Muscle Damage : LDH can be elevated in conditions involving muscle injury.

Risk Factors for Abnormal SGPT Levels

Several factors can contribute to abnormal LDH test results, including:

Liver Disease : Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer can elevate LDH levels due to liver cell damage.
Severe Infections : Infections that cause tissue damage, such as HIV, encephalitis, and meningitis, can result in higher LDH levels.
Chronic Illnesses : Chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases may lead to elevated LDH levels as a result of ongoing tissue damage.
Muscle Damage : Injuries, trauma, or conditions like muscle dystrophy can cause muscle cells to break down, raising LDH levels.
Cancer : Certain cancers, such as lymphoma or leukaemia, can cause elevated LDH levels due to rapid cell turnover or tissue destruction.
Anaemia : Haemolytic anaemia, where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, can lead to increased LDH levels.

Complications of Untreated Abnormalities in SGPT Levels

If abnormal LDH levels are untreated, the progression of the underlying conditions causing tissue damage can lead to serious complications, such as:

Worsening Organ Damage : Elevated LDH often signals ongoing damage to organs like the liver, heart, or kidneys, and untreated conditions may lead to organ failure.
Chronic Illness Progression : Chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases like lupus or kidney diseases can worsen over time if underlying causes are not addressed, leading to long-term complications.
Severe Infection : Infections that cause elevated LDH, such as bacterial meningitis and encephalitis , may continue to spread or become more severe, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.
Potential for Cancer Spread : Persistently high lactate dehydrogenase levels may indicate tumour progression or metastasis, leading to more aggressive disease and worse outcomes.
Anaemia and Organ Stress : In cases of haemolytic anaemia, untreated conditions can place additional stress on organs and increase the risk of complications like organ failure.

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage LDH levels and prevent conditions that cause elevated LDH. 8,9,12 Here are a few tips for a healthy lifestyle:

Exercise Regularly : Moderate physical activity is beneficial for overall health. While strenuous exercise can temporarily increase LDH due to lactic acid production, regular, balanced exercise helps improve cardiovascular, muscle, and metabolic health.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Intake : Limit alcohol intake, as excessive consumption can elevate LDH levels and contribute to liver damage over time.
Adopt a Healthy Diet: Adopt a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can help manage conditions like liver disease or muscle injury that could affect LDH levels.
Monitor Medications : Some medications, such as anaesthetics, aspirin, and certain narcotics, may interfere with LDH test results by either increasing or decreasing levels. Always discuss your medications with your healthcare provider to ensure accurate test results.
Stay Hydrated : This will support overall body function and help prevent conditions like muscle injury or dehydration, which can elevate LDH levels.
Manage Chronic Conditions : Properly manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or liver disease through medication, diet, and regular check-ups to reduce the risk of complications that may affect LDH levels.
Vitamin C Awareness : Be aware that high concentrations of vitamin C can lead to falsely low LDH results. If you take large doses of vitamin C supplements, let your doctor know before getting tested.

Similar Tests to Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is often used alongside several other enzyme tests to assess tissue damage and organ function, these include:

Creatine Kinase (CK) : Specifically evaluates muscle injury, particularly heart (CK-MB) and skeletal muscle.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) : Primarily used for liver function, also elevated in muscle and heart injury.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) : More specific to liver damage than AST, commonly used to assess liver function.
Troponin : Highly specific to heart muscle injury, primarily used to diagnose heart attacks, and more specific than CPK for cardiac damage.

Difference Between the Lactate Dehydrogenase Test and Other Similar Tests

LDH is an enzyme found throughout the body, and while it serves as a general marker for tissue damage, it differs from other enzyme tests like CK, AST, and ALT, which are more specific to certain organs and types of injury.

LDH vs. CK: LDH is a broad marker for tissue damage, while CK is specific to muscle injury, particularly heart and skeletal muscles.
LDH vs. AST: LDH is a general marker of tissue damage, whereas AST is more specific to liver, heart, and muscle injury.
LDH vs. ALT: LDH is less liver-specific, while ALT is a more specific marker of liver damage.
LDH vs. Troponin: LDH is a less specific marker for tissue damage and can be elevated in various conditions affecting multiple organs, while troponin is highly specific to heart muscle injury and primarily used to diagnose heart attacks.

Lactate Dehydrogenase Testing During Special Conditions

Post Heart Attack Evaluation

LDH levels are commonly monitored after a heart attack to assess the extent of heart muscle damage and to assess recovery or complications.

Monitoring Cancer Treatment

LDH levels may be used to evaluate the efficacy of cancer treatments, as elevated LDH can indicate tumour activity or cell turnover, especially in cancers like lymphoma or leukaemia.

Diagnosing Haemolytic Anaemia

LDH is often elevated in haemolytic anaemia, where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. Monitoring LDH can help assess the severity of the condition and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Details

Test Name	Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test
Lactate Dehydrogenase Test Price	Lactate Dehydrogenase Test price is ₹ 350.
Also Known As	Lactate Dehydrogenase Test, Alanine Transferase (ALT), Alanine Aminotransferase
Purpose	To measure Amount of LDH in the blood.
Pre-test Information	Fasting is not required for a Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test
Report Delivery	Get reports within 9 hours.
Frequency	As prescribed by your doctor.
Home Testing	Yes, home blood sample collection in 60 minutes from booking.
Sample Required	A blood sample is required for a Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test

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