Your body is important which is why it is so crucial to keep it healthy. An LDH lab test is a blood test that checks for any damage to the tissues of the major organs in your body. It is also a test commonly used for melanoma patients, to help determine if the melanoma has metastasized. Having certain tests such as the LDH tests can help with the early detection of illnesses, allowing you to treat them before they get out of hand. Regular blood work tests from LabTestPortal.com can help you stay on top of your overall health condition easily, conveniently and affordably.
The LDH test is a simple procedure and involves having one of our skilled and professional lab technicians draw a small amount of blood from your vein, finger, toe, ear lobe or heel. Once your blood has been drawn it is rapidly spun in a machine called a centrifuge which separates all the liquid (serum) from the blood cells. The serum that is left over is what is used for the LDH test. Normal levels will vary depending on your age, sex and the testing methods used by the specific lab that performed your test. Prior to your test you should abstain from aspirin, fluorides, narcotics, anesthetics, alcohol and other specific medications. The lab will let you know prior to your appointment.
Why is it important to have your LDH levels checked regularly?
LDH stands for lactate dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme in your blood. LDH also aids in the conversion of lactate and pyruvate. There are many different factors that can contribute to elevated LDH levels. When you have a particularly hard workout, it is the buildup of lactate in your muscles that causes you to feel sore. This is a fairly innocuous reason for an increase in LDH; however, some other reasons include a muscle injury, stroke, low blood pressure, pancreatitis and liver diseases such as hepatitis C. In addition to these conditions, the LDH lab test can help to diagnose a number of other conditions. All-in-all, the earlier you detect problems the better your chances are of slowing, stopping or treating any disease successfully.
The LDH blood test is a helpful tool for those who have been diagnosed with melanoma. LDH tests can also help to diagnose skin cancer. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that, if left untreated can metastasize or spread from your skin and lymph nodes to your organs, most commonly the lungs or liver. Melanoma, if caught early can be treated rather effectively. If it metastasizes it becomes quite a bit harder to treat. This is why it is crucial to have yourself checked out promptly if you notice any abnormalities on your skin. Lactate dehydrogenase testing can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to cancer.
There has been quite a bit of research pertaining to the LDH test. The results of this research indicated that the body will produce more LDH as it goes into survival mode. In multiple studies it was shown that melanoma patients with elevated LDH levels that were in stage VI had a higher mortality rate than those with lower LDH levels. In addition to these studies, other studies have indicated that another protein in the blood called S-100B is also and excellent indicator of spreading melanoma. It’s important to have your LDH levels checked out regularly to keep tabs on your lactate dehydrogenase levels so that you can keep a good weather-watch out for cancer. If your LDH test indicates abnormal levels, you may want to follow up with the S-100B to verify results.
Happily, regular blood work tests from LabTestPortal.com are affordable and reliable. Simply set up your online account with us for free and browse through the many valuable blood tests we have on offer. You can order your blood tests yourself, and you will receive and appointment confirmation online very shortly. You will are sure to be satisfied with the professional attention you will receive at one of our many conveniently located, state-of-the-art labs. After your blood test has been performed, you will be able to view your results in your secure personal health record online. Feel free to consult with our professional staff with any questions you may have. With the smart and affordable option of online blood testing, you can be the true expert when it comes to your health. Share your lab test results with your doctor and make the most of each and every doctor’s appointment.