Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
Label Mnemonic: LD
Epic code: LAB96
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 83615
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or ONE Microtainer® for pediatric patients.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
Adult Males   135-225 U/L
Adult Females 135-214 U/L

Pediatric Reference Ranges
                   Male          Female
0-31 days          125-735 U/L   145-765 U/L
31 days-1 year     170-450       190-420
1 year-4 years     155-345       165-395
4 years-7 years    155-345       135-345
7 years-10 years   145-300       140-280
10 years-13 years  120-290       120-260
13 years-16 years  120-290       100-275
16 years-19 years  105-235       105-230
Comments:
Refer to BD Microtainer® Tubes product sheet for detailed sample collection instructions.

Avoid hemolysis. False elevations may occur in specimens which are not processed promptly to separate serum from RBC's.
Test Limitations:
Criterion: recovery plus or minus 10% of initial values

Plasma
Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 
(approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 
mg/dL).

Hemolysis: RBC contamination elevates results; interference if H index 
is greater than or equal to 50.

Lipemia (Intralipid):  No significant interference up to an L index of 
900.

There is poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides 
concentration. Highly lipemic samples may cause ABS! flags.
Methodology:
UV Assay
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
83615
 
See also:
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)-Other, Body Fluid