Plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity will be increased if detergent and platelets are present

Plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity is artifactually increased when analyzed on the SMAC (Technicon) continuous-flow analyzer. The factors responsible are incomplete centrifugation and the presence of detergent in the dilution buffer. The contribution of platelet lactate dehydrogenase in the plasma is demonstrated with a case of thrombocytosis.