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Serum or Plasma Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)

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

This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, in your blood. It helps doctors assess how well your body is using oxygen and managing energy.

Quick summary

["Lactate levels can signal poor oxygen flow or metabolic issues, guiding treatment for conditions like heart problems, infections, or shock."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57358-4
Short code
Lactate 2h p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Lactate 2h p chal SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
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
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 It’s Done

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, or fatigue, or if you’re recovering from surgery, severe illness, or trauma. It’s also used in critical care settings to monitor conditions like heart failure, sepsis, or metabolic disorders.

What to Expect

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The sample is sent to a lab for testing.

Normal vs. Abnormal Results

Results aren’t always straightforward because reference ranges can vary by lab and health status. High levels may indicate low oxygen availability or metabolic stress, while very low levels might suggest unusual energy metabolism.

Common Conditions Monitored

Doctors use this test to track conditions like heart disease, stroke, severe infections, or during surgery to prevent complications like low blood pressure or organ failure.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes high lactate levels?
High lactate levels can result from conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to tissues (e.g., heart or lung problems), severe infections, or extreme physical exertion. It may also appear during surgery or in metabolic disorders.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 24 hours, depending on lab processing times. Your doctor will contact you if you need immediate results.
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
Moderate exercise or diet changes usually won’t impact this test, but extreme fasting, dehydration, or recent illness may influence results. Always discuss your recent activities with your doctor before testing.
  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