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Serum Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your body is handling oxygen and energy use.

Quick summary

["Lactate levels can signal potential issues with oxygen delivery or metabolism."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25900-2
Short code
D-Lactate sp2 p Exc SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
D-Lactate sp2 p Exc SerPl-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Critical range
— – 4 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as severe infections, heart or lung problems, or low blood sugar. It can also help monitor treatment responses in critical care settings.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re in a hospital, you might already be connected to monitoring equipment.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate your body isn’t getting enough oxygen or is struggling to convert food into energy. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest conditions like severe dehydration or certain metabolic disorders.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used in emergencies to evaluate shock, sepsis, or other life-threatening conditions where oxygen or blood flow to tissues is compromised.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Serum Lactate

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lactate levels?
Elevated lactate can result from conditions like severe infections, heart or lung disease, low blood pressure, or extreme physical exertion. It may also appear during treatments like chemotherapy or certain medications.
What does it mean if my lactate levels are normal?
Normal levels suggest your body is efficiently using oxygen and converting food into energy. However, a single normal result doesn’t rule out underlying issues—your provider may still monitor you closely if you have risk factors.
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
While diet and exercise can influence energy metabolism, lactate levels are primarily measured in clinical settings to assess acute conditions. Lifestyle changes alone won’t alter test results unless they directly impact oxygen delivery or metabolism.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy