LDH Test: When It’s Really Useful 🧪

LDH is one of the most confusing enzymes in clinical biochemistry — but today, we’ll make it crystal clear!

By the end of this video, you’ll understand when LDH testing actually makes sense, its clinical relevance in anemia and cancer, and what “Macro-LDH” really means.

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LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) is present in almost every tissue — heart, liver, muscle, kidney, and RBCs. This enzyme’s serum level rises when cells are damaged, but because it’s so widespread, elevated LDH alone doesn’t pinpoint the source of injury.
While LDH isoenzymes once helped differentiate organ damage, modern tests like Troponin (for cardiac injury) and ALT/AST (for liver function) have replaced them.
However, LDH still shines in hematology and oncology:

In hemolytic anemia and megaloblastic anemia, LDH skyrockets as RBCs break down.

In blood cancers and metastatic tumors, LDH acts as a prognostic marker — higher levels mean poorer outcomes.
And don’t miss the rare but fascinating Macro-LDH—a benign cause of persistently elevated LDH.

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