Fluid LDH Lubricant Test – Measure lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in fluid samples

Description

LDH in Body Fluids Test – Accurate Diagnosis of Infection, Inflammation & Malignancy

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in Body Fluids Test offered by Lab Tests Dubai is a critical diagnostic tool used to evaluate fluid samples such as pleural (chest), peritoneal (abdominal), or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to detect infection, inflammation, tissue damage, or malignancy.

LDH is an enzyme released when cells are damaged. Elevated levels in fluid indicate active cell destruction, helping doctors distinguish between transudates (benign fluid buildup) and exudates(caused by infection, cancer, or inflammation).

Using advanced spectrophotometry, this test delivers precise LDH concentration results within just 1 day, supporting rapid diagnosis in conditions like pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or meningitis.

Available for pleural effusion, ascites, joint fluid, and CSF, this test is essential in hospital settings, ICU monitoring, and oncology diagnostics—ensuring accurate, timely decisions for complex medical cases.

Why You Need This Test

This test is not a routine screening—it’s a specialized diagnostic tool performed when fluid accumulates in body cavities, and the cause is unclear.

You need this test if:

• You have pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
• You have ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
• You’re being evaluated for meningitis or CNS infection
• There’s suspicion of cancer spread (metastasis) into fluid
• You have unexplained joint swelling or inflammation

The LDH level in fluid, combined with protein and cell counts, helps determine if the fluid is:

• Exudate (high LDH, high protein) → due to infection, cancer, or inflammation
• Transudate (low LDH, low protein) → due to heart failure, liver disease, or kidney issues

This distinction is crucial for treatment planning.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider this test if you or a loved one is experiencing:

• Shortness of breath (possible pleural effusion)
• Abdominal swelling or bloating (ascites)
• Severe headache, neck stiffness, or fever (possible meningitis)
• Joint swelling, redness, or pain (possible septic arthritis)
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue with fluid buildup
• History of cancer and new fluid accumulation

These symptoms may indicate serious underlying conditions—and LDH in fluid is a key marker to guide diagnosis.

Natural Production: How LDH Works in the Body

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a naturally occurring enzyme found in almost all body tissues—especially in the liver, heart, lungs, muscles, and kidneys.

Its role:

• Converts lactate to pyruvate during anaerobic metabolism
• Supports energy production when oxygen is low

Under normal conditions, LDH levels in body fluids are low because the fluid is filtered, not cell-rich.

But when:

• Cells are damaged by infection (e.g., pneumonia)
• Cancer cells invade fluid spaces
• Inflammation breaks down tissue

→ LDH leaks into the fluid and levels rise sharply.

High LDH in fluid = active cellular damage.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring Abnormal LDH

Ignoring elevated LDH in body fluids can lead to:

⚠️ Delayed Diagnosis of Infection

• Untreated bacterial pneumonia or empyema can lead to sepsis

⚠️ Missed Cancer Diagnosis

• Malignant effusions from lung, breast, or ovarian cancer may go undetected

⚠️ Progression of Meningitis

• High CSF LDH indicates bacterial or fungal meningitis—needs urgent treatment

⚠️ Organ Damage

• Untreated peritonitis or pleuritis can cause multi-organ failure

Early detection via LDH testing allows for targeted antibiotics, chemotherapy, or drainage procedures—potentially saving lives.

How to Prepare for the Test

This test does not require patient preparation—but here’s what you should know:

✅ The fluid is collected via medical procedure:

• Thoracentesis (chest)
• Paracentesis (abdomen)
• Lumbar puncture (CSF)
• Arthrocentesis (joint)

✅ No fasting required
✅ Inform your doctor of blood thinners or medications
✅ The procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic under sterile conditions

After collection, the fluid is sent to Lab Tests Dubai for spectrophotometric LDH analysis.

Test Overview: Fast, Reliable Spectrophotometry Method

Spectrophotometry measures LDH activity by tracking NADH production, ensuring high sensitivity and accuracy.

Common Interpretation:

• LDH > 200 U/L (or >2/3 of serum LDH) → Likely exudate
• LDH < 200 U/L → Likely transudate

Always interpreted alongside fluid protein, cell count, and clinical findings.

FAQs About the LDH in Fluid Test

Q: What does high LDH in fluid mean?
A: It indicates active cell damage—common in infection, cancer, or severe inflammation.

Q: Can LDH levels be high in non-serious conditions?
A: Rarely. Even viral infections or autoimmune diseases can elevate LDH, but levels are usually lower than in bacterial or malignant cases.

Q: Is this test done on blood?
A: No. This version is for body fluid. Blood LDH is a separate test.

Q: How soon after fluid collection are results ready?
A: Within 24 hours at Lab Tests Dubai.

Q: Can this test diagnose cancer?
A: Not alone—but high LDH + abnormal cells in fluid strongly suggests malignancy, confirmed by cytology.

Q: Is the fluid collection painful?
A: Local anesthesia is used. Most patients feel only pressure or mild discomfort.

If you or a loved one has fluid buildup and an unclear diagnosis, the LDH in Body Fluids Test can be the missing piece in the diagnostic puzzle.