Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Increased levels may indicate liver injury, hemolysis, inflammation, or broader tissue damage. It is a nonspecific but valuable indicator of systemic stress.

Most adults benefit from yearly LDH screening as part of a comprehensive panel. Outside the annual check, retesting is driven by clinical context.

At baseline / for screening: Once every 12 months from age 30 as part of a comprehensive panel. More frequently, every 3 to 6 months, if you have known liver disease, regular alcohol intake, fatty liver (MASLD), or take hepatotoxic medication.

When monitoring an intervention or change: Mild isolated LDH elevations often resolve on their own and rarely need a specific retest cadence. When elevated alongside other markers (e.g., bilirubin, reticulocyte count for hemolysis), your clinician guides the workup. After recent intense exercise or acute illness, retest at 2 to 4 weeks once the trigger has resolved.

Note: LDH rises with hemolysis (including rough sample handling), recent intense exercise (especially eccentric), and acute illness. Wait 5 to 7 days of normal activity and ensure good sample handling for a reliable baseline; isolated mild elevations often normalize on retest.