Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- U/L
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme found in nearly all organ systems, including the heart, liver, muscles, and lungs. When tissues are damaged or inflamed, LDH is released into the bloodstream. Within a COVID-19 Biochemistry Panel, LDH serves as a critical biomarker for disease severity and lung injury. Elevated levels are frequently associated with the 'cytokine storm' and are a strong predictor of poor prognosis, indicating extensive cellular destruction or pulmonary tissue damage.
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Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
LDH is highly non-specific; levels can be elevated due to vigorous exercise, hemolysis during blood collection (ruptured red cells), or unrelated conditions like megaloblastic anemia and various malignancies, which may lead to false assumptions about COVID-19 severity.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH):
Official Sources
Research & Guidelines
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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