Serum/Plasma Lactate Concentration
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down sugar for energy, in your blood.
["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and can signal potential health issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57357-6
- Short code
- Lactate 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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?
Doctors may order this test to check for conditions like low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia), severe infections, heart or lung problems, or metabolic disorders. It can also help monitor people with certain diseases, like heart failure or sepsis, during treatment.
When Might You Need This Test?
You might need this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, weakness, or if you’re receiving treatment for a condition that could affect how your body uses energy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor may ask you to fast for a few hours before the test if it’s done in the morning. Bring any medications you’re taking.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause much discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
High lactate levels can indicate conditions like shock, severe infections, or heart/lung problems where your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. Low levels might suggest metabolic issues or certain medications.
A high lactate level can signal that your body isn’t working properly to use oxygen efficiently. This could happen in emergencies like heart attacks, severe infections, or conditions that restrict blood flow to organs.
Low lactate levels might suggest that your body is using energy differently, possibly due to certain medications, liver or kidney problems, or metabolic disorders that affect how your body breaks down sugar.
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