Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD)

Test ID: 

703011

CPT code:

83615

Clinical 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

Test 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

Specimen Type:

Serum (preferred) or plasma

Requested Volume: 

1 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.5 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (heparin) tube; do not use EDTA plasma.

Collection:

Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Storage Instructions:

Maintain specimen at room temperature

Stability Requirements:

Expected Turnaround Time:

1 to 2 Days

Rejection Criteria

Excessive hemolysis; improper labeling; EDTA plasma specimen