Lactic acid dehydrogenase (ldh) test

This test measures the amount of the enzyme LDH (lactic acid dehydrogenase) in your blood. LDH levels go up when there is damage to your cells.

LDH levels help find the cause of lung disease, lymphoma, anemia, and liver disease. They also help find out how well treatment for lymphoma is working.

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

In general, you don't need to prepare before your child has this test. Your doctor may give you some specific instructions.

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

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

For many healthy people, a slightly high LDH isn't serious. It can happen because of exercise or because of a technical problem with the test.