Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- U/L
Lactate Dehydrogenase is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate. It is found in nearly all tissues. In Fluid Biochemical Analysis (e.g., pleural or ascetic fluid), LDH levels are used to apply 'Light's Criteria' to differentiate between a transudate (usually systemic cause like heart failure) and an exudate (local cause like infection or malignancy). High fluid LDH is indicative of local tissue damage or inflammation.
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Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
LDH is extremely sensitive to sample handling. If the fluid sample is even slightly hemolyzed (red blood cells rupture), the LDH will be falsely elevated, leading to a potential misdiagnosis of an exudate.
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
- Hemolytic anemia - NIH Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) - NCBIncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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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