LDH blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in almost every cell in the body, with high amounts in muscle, the heart, the liver, red blood cells, the kidneys and the lungs. It helps cells turn sugar into energy. When cells are damaged or broken down, LDH leaks into the blood, so the level gives a broad signal of tissue injury or increased cell turnover.

Because LDH comes from so many tissues, a raised level does not say where the problem lies. It is therefore read alongside more specific markers, such as creatine kinase for muscle, liver enzymes, or a full blood count and haptoglobin when red cell breakdown is a question.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have muscle aches or weakness and want a broader view than creatine kinase alone.
• You train hard and want to understand how your tissues are recovering.
• A previous blood test showed raised LDH and you want to repeat it.
• Your practitioner is looking into anaemia or red cell breakdown.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your LDH value and the laboratory reference range. Mildly raised LDH is common after strenuous exercise or a muscle injury. Higher levels can be seen with liver conditions, red blood cell breakdown, infections, reduced blood supply to a tissue, and some blood and other cancers, which is why unexplained high values are always followed up with a clinician.

LDH is a non-specific marker and cannot diagnose or rule out any condition, including cancer. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, who will consider your history and may suggest more specific tests or a GP referral.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not required. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours before your test, as muscle strain can raise LDH. The sample needs careful handling, because damaged red cells in the tube can falsely raise the result, and if this happens we may ask you to repeat it. Tell us about any medicines you take and keep taking them unless your doctor advises otherwise.

For muscle and recovery, Sports Performance includes creatine kinase and related markers, and LDH is part of Omnia Signature. You can also compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an LDH test in Chiswick?

An LDH blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Why is LDH called a non-specific marker?

Because it is found in nearly every tissue. A raised level shows that cells somewhere are being damaged, but not which ones.

Can exercise raise LDH?

Yes. Intense or unfamiliar exercise can raise it for a few days, so it is best to rest for 48 hours before testing.

Is LDH a cancer test?

No. LDH can be raised in some cancers, but it is also raised by many common, non-serious causes. It cannot diagnose, screen for or rule out cancer.