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Serum or Plasma Lactate Level

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

This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, typically found in blood.

Quick summary

["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen for energy and can signal potential health issues."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57356-8
Short code
Lactate 1M p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Lactate 1M 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?

Your doctor may order a lactate test to check for conditions like low blood oxygen (hypoxia), severe infections, heart problems, or metabolic disorders. It can also help evaluate how well your body is responding to treatment for these conditions.

What Does a High or Low Lactate Level Mean?

Elevated lactate levels may indicate conditions where your body isn’t using oxygen efficiently, such as shock, heart failure, or severe illness. Low levels might suggest certain metabolic or breathing problems, though this is less common.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure lactate concentration.

What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?

High lactate can result from conditions like sepsis, heart attack, or severe dehydration. Low levels are less frequently abnormal and may relate to rare metabolic issues or overhydration.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Lactate

Frequently asked questions

What does a lactate test measure?
A lactate test measures the amount of lactate, a chemical produced when your body doesn’t have enough oxygen to fully break down sugar for energy.
How often is a lactate test done?
Lactate tests are typically done as a one-time or short-term test, often in hospital settings for patients with suspected serious conditions like shock or severe infections.
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
Generally, lifestyle changes like diet or exercise don’t directly affect lactate levels measured in blood tests unless they lead to extreme physical stress or metabolic changes that require medical evaluation.
  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