Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) is found in the cytoplasm of every cell. LD is present in the serum at a level of 100-190 U/L. The serum LD level will rise during increased cell damage.
Persons with alpha thalassemia intermedia usually have an increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LD). This LD is of red blood cell origin, which leaks in to the plasma during hemolysis.