What is the LDH (Fluid) test?
The LDH (fluid) test is performed to look for signs of damage to the body’s tissues. LDH is present in all of the body’s tissues including heart, kidney, brain, lungs, and when any of these organs are damaged, they release LDH into the blood. Therefore, raised LDH levels in the blood or other fluids suggests tissue injury.
Why is the LDH (Fluid) test done?
- To look for tissue damage and if so then how much,
- To closely monitor severe conditions or infections such as megaloblastic anaemia, kidney, and liver disease,
- For the evaluation of certain cancers and their treatment,
- To help determine the cause of fluid buildup,
- For the diagnosis of bacterial or viral meningitis.
What does LDH (fluid) test measure?
The LDH (fluid) test measures the amount of LDH present in the blood or other fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid. LDH is an important enzyme as it helps in making energy for the body. Higher than normal level of LDH indicates tissue injury.
What are the risks associated with this test?
Some common risks associated with this test are:
Headache, numbness, infection, and bleeding.
What does an elevated level of LDH indicate?
Raised LDH level indicates some form of tissue injury. Extremely high level of LDH indicates severe disease or multiple organ failure.
What is the normal LDH level in blood?
Normal LDH level in the blood varies between 140U/L to 280U/L.
Which medicines raise the level of LDH?
Following medicines raise the level of LDH:
- Aspirin,
- Cocaine,
- Narcotics,
- Anaesthetics,
- Fluorides,
What is the normal number of cells in CSF?
Normally there are no red blood cells in the CSF and no more than 5 white blood cells per cubic millimetre of CSF.
- The normal level of LDH in the blood of adults varies between 140 U/L to 280 U/L. The level of LDH is higher in children and teens.
- In a cerebrospinal fluid the normal level of LDH is 70 U/L or lower for newborns and 40 U/L or lower for adults.
Any LDH value higher than the above-mentioned range is considered as a sign of tissue injury or severe infection.
