Test Details
Methodology
Enzymatic, colorimetric, UV
Result Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Elevated serum levels of LDH have been observed in a variety of disease states. The highest levels are seen in patients with megaloblastic anemia, disseminated carcinoma, and shock. Moderate increases occur in muscular disorders, renal diseases, and cirrhosis. Mild increases in LDH activity have been reported in cases of myocardial or pulmonary infarction, leukemia, hemolytic anemia, and nonviral hepatitis.2
Limitations
Hemolysis elevates LDH results, oxalate inhibits LDH, and ascorbic acid can decrease LDH values.
Footnotes
Custom Additional Information
In infectious mononucleosis, LD is usually more elevated than AST, and there is usually an isomorphic pattern of LD isoenzymes. In viral hepatitis, by contrast, AST and ALT (the transaminases) are much more increased than is LD, about three or more times higher than total LD, and LD5 is high. The differential diagnosis of acute infarct of myocardium includes pericarditis and angina, entities in which enzymes are usually not substantially increased. Bovine or porcine heparin therapy can cause increases of AST, ALT, and LD, with elevated LD hepatic fractions.2
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 7 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
See table.
Age | Male (IU/L)1 | Female (IU/L)1 |
|---|---|---|
0 to 7 d | 123−237 | 123−237 |
8 to 30 d | 126−331 | 130−275 |
1 to 11 m | 143−381 | 128−376 |
1 to 3 y | 195−361 | 192−352 |
4 to 6 y | 180−313 | 180−311 |
7 to 9 y | 166−291 | 166−290 |
10 to 12 y | 155−280 | 135−260 |
13 to 15 y | 126−244 | 118−215 |
16 to 17 y | 118−222 | 114−209 |
>17 y | 121−224 | 119−226 |
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.1
Causes for Rejection
Plasma specimens collected in EDTA, oxalate, or citrated tubes; gross hemolysis; gross bacterial contamination; improper labeling
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001115 | LDH | 14804-9 | 001115 | LDH | IU/L | 14804-9 |
| Order Code | 001115 | |||||
| Order Code Name | LDH | |||||
| Order Loinc | 14804-9 | |||||
| Result Code | 001115 | |||||
| Result Code Name | LDH | |||||
| UofM | IU/L | |||||
| Result LOINC | 14804-9 |