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Cardiology

Lactate Dehydrogenase Fluid Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Fluid Test measures LDH levels in body fluids to help assess tissue damage, often related to heart conditions. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, or other relevant body fluid as determined by your doctor. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Generally, no special preparation is required for this test. However, confirm with the laboratory regarding any specific instructions.
Test priceKSh 819

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Lactate Dehydrogenase Fluid Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Suspected heart attack or other cardiac events
  • ✓Evaluation of liver disease
  • ✓Assessment of tissue damage from various causes
  • ✓Monitoring certain cancers
  • ✓Diagnosis of conditions affecting muscles or lungs
  • ✓Investigation of unexplained symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps detect and monitor tissue damage, particularly in the context of heart disease, liver disease, and other conditions where tissue injury occurs. It aids physicians in diagnosis and assessing the extent of damage.
The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Fluid Test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate potential tissue damage. LDH is an enzyme present in many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles. When tissues are damaged, LDH can be released into body fluids like pleural or pericardial fluid. This test measures the concentration of LDH in these fluids. Elevated levels can suggest conditions such as heart attacks, liver disease, or other tissue injuries. It is often used alongside other tests to provide a comprehensive picture of a patient's health. Discuss the relevance of this test with your doctor.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationGenerally, no special preparation is required for this test. However, confirm with the laboratory regarding any specific instructions.
SamplePleural fluid, pericardial fluid, or other relevant body fluid as determined by your doctor. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyEnzymatic assays are commonly used to measure LDH levels in fluid samples. The specific method may vary depending on the laboratory.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Elevated LDH levels are not specific to one condition and can be caused by various factors. The test results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture. Certain medications or conditions might interfere with the test results.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme, in a fluid sample taken from the body. High levels can indicate tissue damage.
It is often used to help diagnose conditions involving tissue damage, such as heart attacks, liver disease, or certain cancers, especially when other tests are inconclusive.
Generally, no fasting is required. However, please confirm specific preparation instructions with the laboratory.
High levels suggest tissue damage somewhere in the body. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
The collection of the fluid sample itself may cause some discomfort, but the blood draw (if needed for other tests) is usually quick. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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