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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cardiology

Lactate Dehydrogenase Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures the level of LDH enzyme in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate tissue damage, often used in the evaluation of heart conditions.

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
Blood sample (serum)
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Generally, no special preparation is needed, but fasting may be required. Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 842

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 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.

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.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath)
  • ✓Monitoring known heart conditions
  • ✓Suspected liver disease
  • ✓Evaluation of unexplained tissue damage
  • ✓Assessing certain types of cancer
  • ✓Investigating anaemia
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 cell injury occurs. It can aid in diagnosis and assessing the severity of certain medical conditions.
The Lactate Dehydrogenase Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme in your blood. LDH is present in almost all body tissues. When tissues are damaged, LDH can be released into the bloodstream, leading to higher levels. This test is particularly useful in assessing conditions affecting the heart and liver. It helps healthcare providers understand the extent of tissue damage or disease progression. Elevated LDH levels can be associated with various conditions, including heart attacks, liver disease, certain cancers, and other tissue injuries. Discussing your results with your doctor is crucial for proper interpretation.
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 →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Generally, no special preparation is needed, but fasting may be required. Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
SampleBlood sample (serum)
MethodologyEnzymatic assay
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 alongside clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests.
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

The test measures the level of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme in your blood. This enzyme is found in many tissues, and its release can indicate tissue damage.
Elevated LDH levels can be a sign of damage to heart muscle, such as during a heart attack. It helps doctors assess the extent of heart tissue injury.
High LDH levels suggest that tissue damage has occurred somewhere in the body. It is not specific to one organ or disease and requires further investigation by your doctor.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Fasting may or may not be required depending on the laboratory's protocol.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking for specific turnaround times.
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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