LD is a non-specific marker of tissue damage. While elevated in many conditions, it's useful for monitoring cancer treatment response, hemolytic anemia, and liver disease. Specific LD isoenzymes can help identify the tissue source of elevation.
LD is a non-specific marker of tissue damage. While elevated in many conditions, it's useful for monitoring cancer treatment response, hemolytic anemia, and liver disease. Specific LD isoenzymes can help identify the tissue source of elevation.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD or LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all body tissues. It catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and is released into blood when cells are damaged.
Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. The values below represent commonly accepted clinical ranges.
Ranges shown are general guidelines. Consult your provider for personalized interpretation.
| Biomarker | Reference range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
Ld (Male — Optimal) | 140–200 U/L | Target range for optimal health |
Ld (Female — Optimal) | 140–200 U/L | Target range for optimal health |
Ld (Male — Standard) | 122–222 U/L | Standard lab reference range |
Ld (Female — Standard) | 122–222 U/L | Standard lab reference range |
High Ld levels above the standard range may indicate an underlying health condition that warrants further evaluation.
Low Ld levels below the standard range may indicate an underlying health condition that warrants further evaluation.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD or LDH) is an enzyme found in nearly all body tissues. It catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and is released into blood when cells are damaged.
Optimal range men: 140–200 U/L; women: 140–200 U/L. Standard range men: 122–222 U/L; women: 122–222 U/L. Always interpret ranges in clinical context, not as a stand-alone diagnosis.
LD is a non-specific marker of tissue damage. While elevated in many conditions, it's useful for monitoring cancer treatment response, hemolytic anemia, and liver disease. Specific LD isoenzymes can help identify the tissue source of elevation.
Elevated LD itself doesn't cause symptoms. It indicates underlying tissue damage, with symptoms depending on the cause: fatigue and pallor (anemia), jaundice (liver disease), chest pain (heart damage), or general weakness.
High LD: Hemolytic anemia, liver disease, heart attack, muscle damage, certain cancers (lymphoma, leukemia), infections (mononucleosis, meningitis), pulmonary embolism, kidney disease, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism.
Ld can be ordered through Vitals Vault without a doctor referral, then completed at CLIA-certified Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. After checkout, you receive clear draw instructions, digital requisition details, and a structured report that explains whether your result is in standard range, optimal range, or needs follow-up review.
Start by identifying the root cause, then use targeted nutrition, training, sleep, stress, and follow-up retesting to verify improvement. Ld should be optimized with a personalized plan, not guesswork.
You should speak with a clinician if Ld is significantly outside the reference range, trending in the wrong direction across repeat tests, or accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, weight change, or persistent inflammation signs. Immediate medical care is important for severe symptoms, not just abnormal numbers in isolation.
A practical retesting cadence for Ld is every 8 to 12 weeks after major lifestyle, nutrition, or medication changes, and every 3 to 6 months for stable long-term tracking. Faster cadence is useful when values are clearly abnormal, while maintenance cadence helps confirm durability once results stabilize.
You can compare Essential ($99), Advanced ($199), and Max ($399) plans during checkout to confirm Ld inclusion before purchasing. If Ld is not in your selected tier, you can upgrade plans or add targeted testing so your panel matches your goals, symptoms, and retesting strategy.
Ld is included in our comprehensive biomarker panels, processed at CLIA-certified Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information presented here.