Serum Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy, in your blood serum.
["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and can indicate potential issues with circulation or metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25903-6
- Short code
- D-Lactate sp5 p Exc SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- D-Lactate sp5 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, or unusual fatigue, which could suggest low oxygen levels or metabolic problems. It may also be used to monitor conditions like heart failure, shock, or severe infections where lactate buildup is common.
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 on a monitor (like a heart rate or blood pressure device), let your healthcare team know so they can adjust settings if needed.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The test itself takes just a few minutes, and the site will be cleaned and bandaged afterward.
What the Results Mean
Results help doctors check if your body is producing too much lactate, which can happen in emergencies like heart attacks, severe infections, or low blood pressure. Elevated levels may signal poor circulation or metabolic stress.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High lactate levels often indicate conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or severe dehydration. Low levels may occur in healthy individuals or those with certain metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test done?
What does a normal result mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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