Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD) in your blood. LD is an enzyme that helps your cells convert pyruvate into lactate as part of energy production, and it is found in tissues throughout the body, including the lungs, kidneys, heart, muscles, and red blood cells. This test reports your LD concentration as a directly measured value from a blood sample.
When tissue is damaged or cells break down, LD can be released into your bloodstream, which may raise your measured levels. Your healthcare provider uses this single blood concentration value, alongside your symptoms and other information, to help evaluate tissue damage. This test measures LD only and does not evaluate any other biomarker.
Benefits
- Measures your blood LD level with a single blood draw
- Helps you screen for signs of tissue damage
- Supports monitoring of LD levels over time
- Provides a quantitative result your provider can review
- Requires no special preparation before testing
- Gives you information to discuss with your healthcare provider
Who Is This Test For?
- You have experienced symptoms that may relate to tissue damage
- You have a lung, kidney, or liver infection your provider is evaluating
- You want to monitor LD levels related to organ function concerns
- You have signs that may suggest hemolysis
- You are being monitored for a possible drug reaction
- You and your provider want a baseline LD measurement
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and what is its purpose?
This test measures the concentration of Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD) in a blood sample, reported as a directly measured, quantitative value rather than a calculated ratio or index. LD is an enzyme involved in cellular energy production, and elevated blood levels can occur when tissues are damaged or destroyed. Your healthcare provider may use this measurement, along with other clinical information, to help evaluate tissue damage. This test measures LD only and is not a panel of multiple biomarkers. The specimen type for this test is blood.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should I order it?
This test may benefit people who have symptoms associated with tissue damage, such as infections affecting the lungs, kidneys, or liver, organ concerns, possible hemolysis, or a suspected drug reaction. It may also benefit those whose provider wants to screen for, establish a baseline for, or monitor LD levels over time, including as follow-up after a prior abnormal result. This test is intended to support, not replace, a broader clinical evaluation, and any decision to order it should be based on your individual health situation.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You do not need to fast or make any dietary changes before your blood draw.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1 to 2 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your LD result depends on your individual health, symptoms, medical history, medications, and other laboratory findings. An elevated or low LD level does not, by itself, confirm or rule out a specific condition. Your specimen quality and the testing methodology used can also affect your result.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your full clinical picture.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results are outside the expected range, review them with a qualified healthcare provider so they can help determine what the result may mean in the context of your health. Additional evaluation or testing may be considered if your provider recommends it based on your specific situation.
7. How often should I get tested?
There is no fixed schedule for repeating this test. How often you are tested should be based on your individual health needs, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. Your specimen will be collected as a blood sample.
