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Serum Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)

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

This test measures the amount of lactate in your blood, a substance produced when your body doesn’t get enough oxygen or breaks down sugar for energy.

Quick summary

["Lactate levels help doctors check for conditions affecting oxygen supply or metabolism."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
27946-3
Short code
Lactate 1h p chal Bld-mCnc
Synonyms
Lactate 1h p chal Bld-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Critical range
— – 4 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, or fatigue, or if you’re at risk for low oxygen levels (e.g., heart problems, shock, or severe infections). It’s also used to monitor conditions like heart failure, seizures, or during surgery to ensure your body is receiving enough oxygen.

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 during surgery), your blood may be taken from a catheter. Tell your doctor about any medications or recent illness.

What the Results Mean

High lactate levels can indicate poor oxygen delivery, metabolic issues, or conditions like sepsis or heart problems. Low levels may suggest overuse of oxygen or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your health and symptoms.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test helps diagnose or manage conditions like severe infections, heart failure, stroke, or during critical care (e.g., ICU) to track how well your body is handling energy and oxygen.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Lactate is a marker for tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and metabolic stress. Elevated levels often signal underlying issues requiring prompt medical attention, such as shock, organ failure, or uncontrolled diabetes.

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lactate levels?
Elevated lactate can result from low blood oxygen (e.g., heart or lung problems), infections, severe dehydration, or conditions like lactic acidosis. It may also appear during intense exercise or certain medications.
What causes low lactate levels?
Low lactate levels can occur if your body is using oxygen efficiently (e.g., during sleep or mild exercise) or if lactate is being broken down too quickly (e.g., in rare metabolic disorders). Rarely, it may indicate overproduction of oxygen or certain genetic conditions.
How often is this test repeated?
Your doctor will decide how often to repeat the test based on your condition. For example, it might be done daily during critical care or less frequently for stable patients under monitoring.
  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