Book LDH Test: Purpose, Normal Range and Price

The LDH test is a blood test that measures the level of Lactate Dehydrogenase, an enzyme present in nearly every cell of the body including the liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, lungs, and red blood cells. LDH plays a fundamental role in energy production, catalysing the conversion of lactate to pyruvate as part of cellular metabolism. Under normal conditions, LDH is contained within cells and only small amounts circulate in the bloodstream. When cells are damaged, destroyed, or under significant stress, LDH is released into the blood, causing levels to rise. Because LDH is found in virtually all tissues, it is a broad marker of cellular injury rather than organ-specific damage. Its clinical value lies in its sensitivity as a general indicator of tissue destruction across multiple conditions including haemolytic anaemia, liver disease, heart attack, kidney disease, muscle injury, and various cancers. In oncology particularly, LDH has emerged as one of the most important prognostic markers, with elevated levels in cancer patients reflecting tumour burden, aggressive disease biology, and poorer treatment outcomes. In India, LDH is increasingly prescribed not only in acute illness but as part of cancer staging, lymphoma workup, and monitoring of haematological malignancies. The test involves a simple blood draw completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe an LDH test in the following situations: Evaluating haemolytic anaemia where red blood cell destruction releases large amounts of LDH into the bloodstream, making it one of the key diagnostic markers alongside bilirubin and reticulocyte count to confirm and monitor haemolysis. Cancer staging and prognosis assessment in patients with lymphoma, leukaemia, melanoma, germ cell tumours, and other malignancies where elevated LDH reflects tumour burden and is incorporated into internationally used staging and risk stratification systems. Monitoring treatment response in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy where a falling LDH confirms tumour cell destruction and treatment efficacy, while a rising LDH during therapy signals disease progression or resistance. Investigating liver disease including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver injury where LDH rises alongside other liver enzymes and provides additional information on the extent of hepatocellular damage. Evaluating muscle injury including rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, and severe muscle trauma where LDH is significantly elevated due to muscle cell breakdown and complements CK measurement in assessing the degree of muscle damage. Assessing kidney disease and renal infarction where LDH elevation from renal tissue injury provides supporting evidence alongside creatinine and imaging findings. Monitoring disease severity in conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and COVID-19 associated lung injury where elevated LDH is a well-established marker of disease severity and poor prognosis.

The LDH test measures the enzymatic activity of Lactate Dehydrogenase in the blood, reported in units per litre (U/L). Normal LDH Range in India The standard reference ranges used across most Indian diagnostic laboratories are as follows. For adults, a normal LDH level is between 140 and 280 U/L. Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories depending on the analytical method and equipment used. In children, normal LDH levels are naturally higher than in adults due to active growth and cell turnover. Interpreting LDH Results An LDH level mildly above the upper limit of normal, up to twice the upper limit, is the most commonly encountered pattern and may reflect liver disease, mild haemolysis, strenuous physical activity, or a non-specific response to illness. Clinical context determines the significance and need for further workup. An LDH level between two and five times the upper limit of normal represents moderate elevation and raises concern for significant tissue injury, active haemolysis, moderate liver disease, or early malignancy-related elevation, all requiring thorough clinical evaluation and targeted investigation. An LDH level above five times the upper limit of normal is considered markedly elevated and is strongly associated with severe haemolysis, advanced malignancy, acute liver failure, severe rhabdomyolysis, or critical illness. This level warrants urgent specialist evaluation and management.

No fasting is strictly required for the LDH test alone. However, if LDH is ordered as part of a broader panel that includes fasting parameters, fast as advised by your doctor. Our team confirms preparation requirements at the time of booking. Avoid strenuous physical exercise for at least 24 hours before the test. Intense muscle activity causes LDH release from skeletal muscle cells and can significantly elevate the result independent of any underlying pathology, leading to a misleadingly abnormal finding. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours before the test as alcohol can transiently raise LDH levels through its effect on liver and muscle cells. Inform the phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking, particularly statins, anaesthetic agents, and chemotherapy drugs, as several medications can independently raise LDH levels and must be disclosed for accurate interpretation. Ensure the blood sample is handled carefully and transported promptly to the laboratory. LDH is released from red blood cells if the sample is haemolysed due to rough handling or delayed processing, which can produce a falsely elevated result. SecondMedic's phlebotomists are trained to ensure correct sample handling for this test.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the LDH test price starts at approximately Rs. 367. The exact price will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside LDH, SecondMedic health packages include LDH as part of a broader cancer staging, haematology, or metabolic panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for LDH test across all major areas of India. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your address.