LDH isoenzymes blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in almost every cell, where it helps turn sugar into energy. When cells are damaged, LDH leaks into the blood, so a raised total LDH is a general sign of tissue damage. There are five isoenzymes, LDH-1 to LDH-5, and different tissues contain different mixtures of them.

LDH-1 and LDH-2 are found mainly in the heart, red blood cells and kidneys, LDH-3 in the lungs and other tissues, and LDH-4 and LDH-5 in the liver and skeletal muscle. Measuring the pattern helps point towards the likely source when total LDH is high, for example muscle strain, red cell breakdown or a liver problem. It is not used to diagnose heart attacks, which are assessed with troponin in hospital.

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

Who it is for

• A previous blood test showed a raised LDH without a clear cause.
• You have muscle aches, weakness or recent intense training and a high LDH.
• Your practitioner wants to look for red cell breakdown as a cause of a raised LDH.
• You are being followed up for a condition where the isoenzyme pattern helps track change.

Understanding your result

Your report shows the proportion of each isoenzyme with the laboratory reference range. A rise in LDH-1 and LDH-2 can fit with red cell breakdown, while a rise in LDH-5 may point to the liver or skeletal muscle. Intense exercise, injury and even a difficult blood draw can change the pattern.

The isoenzyme pattern narrows down the possibilities but does not make a diagnosis. Your practitioner reads it with your symptoms and tests such as liver function, blood count and creatine kinase. Anyone with chest pain, breathlessness or signs of a clot should call 999 or go to A&E rather than book a test.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is unnecessary for this test. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy weight training or long runs for 48 hours before the test, because muscle activity can raise LDH-4 and LDH-5. Tell us about any recent injury, surgery or blood transfusion.

If tiredness or muscle symptoms are part of the picture, Sports Performance includes muscle and recovery markers, and a liver function test helps if LDH-5 is raised. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick for further options.

Questions

How much is an LDH isoenzymes test in Chiswick?

The LDH isoenzymes test costs £199 at Omnia Lifestyle. That covers your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

How is this different from a total LDH test?

Total LDH tells you whether the enzyme is raised overall. The isoenzyme test shows which forms are raised, giving a clue to the tissue involved.

Can exercise affect the result?

Yes. Hard training can raise the muscle forms of LDH for a day or two, so rest beforehand if you can.

Is this test used for heart attacks?

Not any more. Suspected heart attacks are assessed in hospital using troponin. If you have chest pain, call 999.