Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Fluid Test
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Fluid Test
The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the levels of LDH in various body fluid samples, such as those extracted from the central nervous system, chest, or abdomen.
Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme found in almost all the tissues in the body but at the highest concentrations in the heart, liver, muscle, kidney, lung, and red blood cells. It serves as a general indicator of tissue inflammation and cell injury that occurs due to various illnesses.
Measuring LDH in bodily fluids helps doctors diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions like pleuritis, peritonitis, meningitis, or tumors. However, this test alone cannot determine the extent of tissue damage or its specific location. Therefore, doctors often interpret its results along with other laboratory tests.
What is the LDH fluid Test Used For?
Your doctor might order an LDH fluid test for any of the following reasons
To find the causes of abnormal fluid build up in the body
To determine if an individual has bacterial or viral meneingitis
Symptoms of Inflammation
Inflammation may cause flu-like symptoms, which include
Fever and chills
Loss of energy
Headaches
Swelling and pain in the joints
Preparation for Test
Your doctor may give some instructions before the collection of bodily fluids. Always follow these instructions. Also, let your doctor know about all the medications and supplements you’re taking.
Interpretation of Test Results
Your report will display the level of LDH in your blood, measured in units per litre (U/L).
While the standard LDH reference range is usually 140 to 280 U/L, it may vary depending on the laboratory used, the patient’s age, and the type of fluid sample analyzed. Therefore, LDH results are usually interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings for diagnostic purposes.
FAQs
How is the test for LDH in body fluids performed?
The test involves drawing a body fluid sample via various methods depending on the fluid type. For example, cerebrospinal fluid is obtained via a lumbar puncture, pleural fluid through thoracentesis, and abdominal fluid through paracentesis.
What do elevate LDH levels indicate?
Elevation of LDH in body fluids often indicates cell damage or tissue injury, implying different conditions, such as infections, inflammation, or malignancy, depending on the fluid type.
Are there risks in collecting the body fluid samples?
Some risks associated with collecting body fluids involve the use of invasive procedures like lumbar puncture or thoracentesis, which rarely can cause infection, bleeding, and discomfort.
What factors affect the accuracy of LDH levels in body fluids?
Several factors can falsely elevate LDH levels in body fluids, including:
- Medications such as statins, steroids, anaesthetics, and procainamide.
- Contamination of the sample with red blood cells.
- Rare cases of gammopathy (an increase in immunoglobulin levels).
Conversely, low levels of the enzyme may occur due to:
- High intake of Vitamin C supplements
- LDH deficiency ( rare genetic disorder)
Does doing exercise affect LDH levels?
Exercise or any physical activity has no effect on LDH levels in the body fluids
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