Serum Lactate Concentration (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method)
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.
["Lactate levels can indicate metabolic stress or conditions like low oxygen, heart problems, or infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27955-4
- Short code
- Lactate 2h p chal Bld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate 2h p chal Bld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- — – 4 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like low blood oxygen (hypoxia), heart or lung problems, severe infections, or other metabolic issues. It’s often used in emergencies or during monitoring for critical illnesses.
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 blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may suggest your body isn’t getting enough oxygen or is working too hard. Lower-than-normal levels might indicate unusual energy metabolism. Your provider will discuss these results with you based on your health history.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is commonly used in cases of suspected shock, sepsis, heart failure, or during surgery to monitor recovery. It can also help track how well treatments for metabolic disorders are working.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Elevated lactate levels often point to tissue hypoxia (low oxygen) or impaired metabolism, which can occur in conditions like heart failure, severe infections, or trauma. Low levels may be less common but could indicate rare metabolic disorders or overcorrection of acidity in the blood.
Short name
Serum Lactate
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor ask for this test?
What does a high lactate level usually 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