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Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD)
Quest Diagnostics1 test optionFrom $16.57
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD)
Quest DiagnosticsCatalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.
What this laboratory test evaluates
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Test
This test measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LD) in the blood, which can help identify conditions like heart attacks, liver disease, certain types of anemia, blood clots in the lungs, cancer, and muscular dystrophy. LD is found in many body tissues, so this test alone may not pinpoint the exact problem area. However, looking at different forms of LD (isoenzymes) can provide more specific information.
What patients is this test right for?This test may be ordered if a person shows symptoms or has conditions that could lead to elevated LD levels, such as: • Chest pain
• Jaundice
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual weakness
• Signs of anemia
What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum.
A blood draw is needed.
Test Resources:Resources are currently not available for this test.
Additional test information
Elevations in serum lactate dehydrogenase occur from myocardial infarction, liver disease, pernicious and megaloblastic anemia, pulmonary emboli, malignancies, and muscular dystrophy. Since lactic dehydrogenase is present in many body tissues, it's diagnosis usefulness is limited. Tissue specificity may be enhanced by isoenzyme analysis.
Collection and processing
- Sample type: Serum
- Fasting: No
- Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected
How Sunridge uses laboratory information
Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
Before requesting this test
Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.
Common questions about this laboratory test
- What sample does this test require?
- The listed sample type is Serum. Confirm current collection instructions in the approved order.
- Does this test require fasting?
- The current catalog record lists fasting as: No. Follow the instructions supplied with the approved order.
- How long does laboratory processing usually take?
- Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected. Timing can change after collection or if a laboratory requires additional review.
About this test
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Test
This test measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LD) in the blood, which can help identify conditions like heart attacks, liver disease, certain types of anemia, blood clots in the lungs, cancer, and muscular dystrophy. LD is found in many body tissues, so this test alone may not pinpoint the exact problem area. However, looking at different forms of LD (isoenzymes) can provide more specific information.
What patients is this test right for?This test may be ordered if a person shows symptoms or has conditions that could lead to elevated LD levels, such as: • Chest pain
• Jaundice
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual weakness
• Signs of anemia
What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum.
A blood draw is needed.
Test Resources:Resources are currently not available for this test.
Additional details
Elevations in serum lactate dehydrogenase occur from myocardial infarction, liver disease, pernicious and megaloblastic anemia, pulmonary emboli, malignancies, and muscular dystrophy. Since lactic dehydrogenase is present in many body tissues, it's diagnosis usefulness is limited. Tissue specificity may be enhanced by isoenzyme analysis.
Highlighted health areas
- Hematology
- Metabolic function
Biomarkers and report focus
The exact analytes and report format can change. Confirm the current contents in the Fullscript order before payment.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (ld)