Description
Why It’s Done:
• To diagnose infections or inflammation: Elevated LDH levels in body fluids can be indicative of infection or inflammation in areas such as the lungs, abdomen, or heart. For example, pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs) caused by infection or cancer may lead to increased LDH levels.
• To assess cancer: High LDH levels in fluid can be associated with metastatic cancer, particularly cancers involving the lung, liver, or abdomen. It helps determine whether cancer has spread to other organs.
• To evaluate tissue damage: The test helps detect damage in organs or tissues. For example, peritoneal fluid analysis with elevated LDH may suggest peritonitis or bowel perforation.
• To help with diagnosis of diseases: The LDH fluid test can be used in combination with other tests to help diagnose conditions like pleural effusion, pericarditis, meningitis, or cerebrospinal fluid infections.
• To distinguish between exudates and transudates: In certain body fluids (e.g., pleural or peritoneal fluid), elevated LDH levels can help differentiate between exudates (fluids due to inflammation, infection, or malignancy) and transudates (fluids due to systemic conditions like heart failure or liver disease).
Preparation:
• Fasting: Fasting is generally not required for the LDH fluid test, but follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Collection of fluid sample: The test requires a body fluid sample, which will be collected using a procedure like thoracentesis (for pleural fluid), paracentesis (for abdominal fluid), or lumbar puncture (for cerebrospinal fluid). These procedures may require local anesthesia or sedation.
• Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, pain relievers, or any treatments that may affect fluid levels or LDH.
• No special preparation: Unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider, no special preparation is necessary. However, it’s important to follow specific instructions about how to prepare for the procedure used to collect the fluid sample.
