Home Shop Tests New Tests

New
Quest Exclusive

Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Test Panel

$99.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

HSA/FSA Accepted

Measure lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), also known as lactic acid dehydrogenase — a blood marker that rises when tissues are stressed or damaged — to help detect cell damage from injury, infection, or intense exercise. LDH isoenzymes are also measured to help identify the affected body part. A complete blood count (CBC) is included to provide context for elevated LDH levels. Read more

Quantity

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), or lactic acid dehydrogenase, is an enzyme that helps produce energy from sugar, especially when oxygen is limited (such as during intense exercise). LDH can be found in almost all tissues in the body, but its highest concentrations are found in the muscles, liver, kidneys, and red blood cells. As tissues form new cells and shed older cells, LDH enters the bloodstream and other bodily fluids. LDH is a useful blood marker for assessing the degree of muscle and tissue stress or damage. While some elevation in LDH is normal after strenuous activity, levels that stay high across multiple days may reflect ongoing muscle or tissue damage, or point to a more significant injury or infection. Abnormally high levels may also occur due to conditions resulting in chronic tissue damage or an acute tissue disease or injury. Conditions that may cause high LDH levels include hemolytic anemia, kidney/lung/liver disease, muscle injury or dystrophy, bone fractures, pancreatitis, certain infections like meningitis, encephalitis, mononucleosis (mono), heart attack, HIV, and certain types of cancer.

This lactic acid dehydrogenase blood test measures LDH levels in your blood, along with 5 LDH isoenzymes (different forms of LDH) that may help indicate where the tissue damage is in the body. Additionally, a complete blood count (CBC) is performed to help your healthcare provider understand if elevated levels may be related to other causes, such as the breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).

Measuring LDH and LDH isoenzyme levels can help you and your healthcare provider identify elevations in LDH that may reflect muscle or tissue damage from injury, infection, or intense exercise. LDH cannot measure overall fitness, training adaptation, or whether you are 'recovered' or ready to train.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this LDH blood test online and visit a nearby Quest location.

Sample type: Blood
Test type: In Person
Find Patient Service Centers

This test may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You have a condition that affects LDH levels (ie, anemia, organ disease, or certain types of cancer) and want to find out if treatment is helping
You had a total LDH test that showed you have higher than normal levels of LDH and want to investigate further
You have persistent muscle soreness or fatigue that has not improved after a few days of rest following intense exercise, training, or strenuous physical activity
You are in a period of heavy or endurance training and want to check for signs of muscle stress or damage
You are returning to training after an injury and want to check whether markers of muscle/tissue damage remain elevated
You are recovering from a recent infection or illness — such as mononucleosis (mono), rhabdomyolysis, or meningitis — and want to check whether LDH levels associated with tissue damage remain elevated
You are experiencing symptoms that suggest you have some type of infection or injury (see Signs & symptoms section below)

This lactic acid dehydrogenase blood test can help identify abnormal LDH levels in the blood and measures 5 LDH isoenzymes (different forms of LDH) that may help indicate where the tissue damage is in the body.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in almost all tissues in the body, but its highest concentrations are found in the muscles, liver, kidneys, and red blood cells. It helps convert glucose into energy that can be used by the body’s cells. LDH is released from the muscle cells into the bloodstream if cells are damaged or destroyed or when metabolism of glucose is high during exercise. LDH values may indicate the amount of “muscle damage” in response to infection, injury, or strenuous exercise. Increases in LDH following exercise depend on training time and intensity, with higher levels seen after longer and more strenuous sessions. Abnormally high levels may also occur due to conditions resulting in chronic tissue damage or an acute tissue disease or injury.

LDH-1: Isoenzyme found mainly in heart tissue and red blood cells

LDH-2: Isoenzyme found mainly in white blood cells, but also in heart tissue and red blood cells

LDH-3: Isoenzyme found mainly in lungs

LDH-4: Isoenzyme found mainly in kidney and pancreatic tissue

LDH-5: Isoenzyme found mainly in liver tissue and skeletal muscle

A complete blood count (CBC) measures several important components of your blood and can provide insight into your overall health. It may help identify signs of conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, immune system disorders, or certain blood-related conditions. The test evaluates red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body; white blood cells, which help fight infection; and platelets, which support normal blood clotting. A CBC also measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and additional markers that can help your healthcare provider better understand your blood cell health and function.

Signs and symptoms of underlying conditions that may lead to abnormal LDH levels include the following:

Persistent muscle pain or weakness
Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Rapid or labored breathing

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 18 and 100 years old.

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location. Collection is not available in AZ, HI, or PR.

If you are testing to check for muscle stress or investigate persistent soreness, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48-72 hours after intense exercise before having your blood drawn, since LDH is naturally elevated immediately after strenuous activity. If you are testing due to a suspected injury, no specific waiting period is required.

Results are typically available within 3-5 business days of providing your sample — this includes sample processing, testing, and a clinical review before release.

You will receive a secure link to your email when your results are ready. They will be available in a clear, easy-to-read report. If you have, or create, a MyQuest® account, your results may also be available there — and for larger panel tests, you may be able to see individual results as each becomes available.

You may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator if some of your test results are outside of the expected ranges. Included with your purchase, you have the ability to talk to an independent healthcare provider who can walk you through test results, address any questions or concerns you have, and help you think through next steps.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase, but an independent healthcare provider is involved throughout the process.

Shop now

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $99 fee.

Buy now

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Please note: Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

Whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to improve their well-being, fitness testing can provide valuable insights into your body’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Regular exercise not only builds muscle, but also a stronger cardiovascular system. Read our article to learn more about the impact of exercise on blood pressure, cholesterol, weight management, and more.

FAQs

I already had an LDH test? Can this test help me understand more about my results?

Yes, it may. If a previous test showed a higher-than-normal total LDH, this panel can help you look a little closer. In addition to total LDH so you can check if your level is still high, it measures the 5 LDH isoenzymes which may offer clues about which tissues could be involved. It also includes a complete blood count (CBC) for added context. Included with your purchase, you also have the ability to talk to an independent healthcare provider to discuss results. We also encourage you to share your results with your regular healthcare provider who can help interpret the fuller picture and advise whether further testing is worthwhile.

Can this test help me track changes in LDH after an illness like mono?

It may. Certain infections, including mononucleosis (mono), can raise LDH, and elevated levels often decline as the illness resolves. Repeating the test over time can show whether your LDH is trending down. Keep in mind LDH is a broad, nonspecific marker — it is not a validated measure of recovery on its own, so results are best interpreted alongside the isoenzyme and CBC results in this panel, your symptoms, and any other testing your healthcare provider recommends.

Does a high LDH mean I have cancer, anemia, or mono?

No. It is not diagnostic of any of those conditions. LDH is a broad marker that rises whenever cells throughout the body are stressed or damaged, so many different things can raise it – including everyday causes like intense exercise or a minor infection. Conditions such as certain cancers, hemolytic anemia, and mononucleosis (mono) can also elevate LDH, but a single high result cannot tell you which, if any, is the cause. That is why LDH is most useful alongside your symptoms and other testing (including isoenzymes and a CBC), rather than on its own. If your level comes back high, your healthcare provider can help put it in context and advise whether any follow-up makes sense and what that would look like. Included with this test, you have the ability to discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no additional cost.

What does a low LDH level mean?

Low LDH levels are uncommon and are usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, a lower reading is not considered a health problem. Occasionally, low LDH can result from taking large amounts of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and in rare cases it is linked to an inherited condition that affects how the body produces LDH. If your results come back low, your healthcare provider can help you understand whether it means anything for you.

Can exercise raise my LDH level?

Yes, intense physical activity can cause your LDH to be temporarily elevated. This is normal and levels should return to baseline within a few days of rest. Persistently elevated levels after several days may warrant further investigation with a healthcare provider.

How long should I wait after exercise before taking this test?

If you are testing to assess recovery or investigate persistent soreness, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48-72 hours after intense exercise before having your blood drawn, as LDH levels are naturally elevated immediately following strenuous activity. If you are testing due to a suspected injury or to assess recovery from a prior injury, no specific waiting period is required.

What does it mean if my LDH is still high after several days of rest?

Persistently elevated LDH after several days of rest may reflect ongoing muscle or tissue damage, or an underlying condition or injury contributing to the elevation. You should discuss your results with a healthcare provider, who can recommend appropriate next steps. Included with this test, you have the ability to discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost.

Can this test tell me if I am ready to return to training after an injury?

No test can tell you definitively whether you are ready to return to exercise. This test can provide useful information about whether markers of muscle or tissue damage remain elevated, but it cannot measure fitness, training adaptation, or recovery readiness. Results should be used alongside physical evaluation and guidance from your healthcare provider.

What is the difference between LDH and other muscle damage markers?

LDH is a broad marker of tissue stress and damage found throughout the body, making it a general indicator of tissue cell damage. Because LDH is nonspecific and rises with many non-muscle processes, creatine kinase is the preferred marker of skeletal muscle injury, and LDH cannot on its own gauge fitness or recovery status. Because LDH isoenzymes can help indicate which tissues may be affected, this panel provides a more complete picture than total LDH measurement alone. In a clinical setting, LDH is often used alongside other markers to build a fuller picture of tissue health. If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider can advise whether additional testing is appropriate based on your results and symptoms.

What other factors can affect LDH blood test results?

Broken red blood cells (hemolysis), alcohol, and drugs like aspirin or anesthetics may cause higher LDH readings, while large doses of vitamin C or rare genetic disorders can cause lower LDH readings.

Can my LDH level tell me if I have an injury due to my fitness regimen?

Not on its own. LDH detects the presence of cell/tissue damage; it does not measure fitness, training adaptation, or recovery readiness. Results reflecting muscle damage should be interpreted alongside symptoms, functional assessment, and a clinician's guidance. This test can be used together with a physical evaluation to help your doctor determine if there is an underlying condition causing your abnormal LDH levels. It cannot be used alone to diagnose a physical injury.

What is rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) and can this test help detect it?

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing proteins and enzymes – including creatine kinase (the preferred muscle damage marker) and LDH – into the bloodstream in large quantities. Symptoms can include severe muscle pain, weakness, and dark-colored urine. Significantly elevated LDH levels may be one indicator of rhabdomyolysis, though additional tests are needed for a full diagnosis. If you suspect rhabdomyolysis, seek medical attention immediately.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

Our references

Cleveland Clinic. LDH Test. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22736-lactate-dehydrogenase-ldh-test
MedlinePlus. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lactate-dehydrogenase-ldh-test/
MedlinePlus. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Isoenzymes Test. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lactate-dehydrogenase-ldh-isoenzymes-test/
Osmosis from ELSEVIER. Lactate Dehydrogenase. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.osmosis.org/answers/lactate-dehydrogenase
Huang T, Liang Z, Wang K, Miao X, Zheng L. Novel insights into athlete physical recovery concerning lactate metabolism, lactate clearance and fatigue monitoring: A comprehensive review. Front Physiol. 2025 Mar 25;16:1459717. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1459717. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11975961/

Get 10% off

Looking for health insights? Sign up to receive emails and save on your first purchase.

Must be 18+ to sign up. By submitting your email address, you are requesting and agree to receive marketing emails from Quest Consumer. You can opt-out by clicking the Unsubscribe link in these emails. By providing your email address, you are certifying that you are age 18+. 10% off offer valid on first purchase on questhealth.com only and cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with other promotions and offers. Exclusions apply. Offer is not valid in Arizona, Hawaii, or Pennsylvania. Discount subject to change; please see the Promotions & Offers page for the most up-to-date discounts and offers.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Test Panel