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LD Test (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
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Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) is an enzyme found in nearly all cells. Elevated levels indicate tissue damage somewhere in the body.
VAT-exempt medical service
Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) is an enzyme present in nearly all cells of the body. It plays a role in converting lactate to pyruvate during energy production, especially under low-oxygen conditions. When cells are damaged or destroyed, LD leaks into the bloodstream, making it a broad but sensitive marker for tissue injury in organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, and blood.
This test helps detect or monitor tissue damage in organs including the heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles. It is often used as an early warning sign when cell damage is suspected, although it cannot pinpoint the exact organ or cause on its own. It may be ordered alongside other tests to narrow down the source of injury.
What a high value can mean
Elevated LD levels may indicate a heart attack, liver disease (e.g. hepatitis or cirrhosis), muscle injury, haemolytic anaemia, infections, kidney disease, or cancer. Intense physical activity can also temporarily raise LD due to minor muscle damage, so context and timing are important when interpreting results. Reference range is typically 1.8-3.4 ukat/L in adults.
What a low value can mean
Low LD levels are rare and usually not clinically relevant. They can occasionally occur in advanced liver failure or rare genetic enzyme deficiencies. A normal or low LD generally suggests no active tissue damage.
No special preparation is needed. Avoid intense exercise before the test as it may temporarily raise LD levels. Bring valid ID to the sampling clinic.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Yes. Intense physical activity can temporarily elevate LD levels due to minor muscle cell damage. It is best to avoid strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before the test.
LD is found in nearly all cells, so an elevated level shows that tissue damage has occurred but not which organ is affected. Additional tests are needed to identify the source.
In adults, the typical reference range is 1.8-3.4 ukat/L, though ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.