Lactate Dehydrogenase
CPT Code(s):
83625
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing LDH levels in a patient's blood. LDH is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, and red blood cells. LDH is used to evaluate tissue damage, identify specific conditions, and monitor response to treatment.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of LDH include:
1. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Tissue Damage: LDH is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or destroyed. Elevated LDH levels may indicate tissue damage or injury to organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, or muscles. LDH helps in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that lead to tissue damage, including myocardial infarction, liver disease, kidney disease, and skeletal muscle disorders.
2. Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring: Many cancer cells release LDH into the bloodstream due to increased cell turnover and tissue destruction. LDH is used to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of various cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and metastatic tumors. Elevated LDH levels can indicate the presence of cancer, disease progression, or treatment response.
3. Assessment of Hemolytic Anemia: Hemolytic anemia is a condition characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells. LDH is abundant in red blood cells, and increased LDH levels in the blood can indicate hemolysis. LDH helps in diagnosing and monitoring hemolytic anemia, assessing the severity and response to treatment.
4. Monitoring Response to Treatment: LDH levels can serve as a marker for treatment response and disease progression in various conditions. Monitoring LDH levels over time helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed.
5. Evaluation of Other Conditions: LDH levels can be useful in evaluating certain infections, inflammation, tissue damage from trauma, and some autoimmune diseases. The test may aid in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions, providing valuable insights into disease activity and response to therapy.
Interpretation of LDH results should consider the patient's clinical context, including symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings. Additional tests and imaging studies may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of elevated LDH levels and guide further diagnostic investigations.
In summary, LDH is specifically used for diagnosing and monitoring tissue damage, assessing cancer presence and progression, evaluating hemolytic anemia, monitoring treatment response, and assessing various other conditions. It is a valuable tool in clinical practice, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding patient care, treatment strategies, and disease monitoring. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement appropriate treatment plans.