Lactate dehydrogenase test
Alternate Names : LDH test, Lactic acid dehydrogenase test
Definition
The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the amount of LDH in the blood. See also: LDH isoenzymes
Why is the Test Performed?
LDH is most often measured to check for tissue damage. The enzyme LDH is in many body tissues, especially the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, blood cells, and lungs. Other conditions under which the test may be done:
How is the Test Performed?
The health care provider will take blood from a vein or from your heel, finger, toe, or earlobe. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is placed in a machine called a centrifuge. The machine quickly spins the blood, which causes the liquid part (the serum) to separate from the cells. The LDH measurement is done on the serum.
How to Prepare for the Test?
Your health care provider may ask you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test. Drugs that can increase LDH measurements include anesthetics, aspirin, clofibrate, fluorides, mithramycin, narcotics, and procainamide.
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