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Serum or plasma lactate concentration

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

This test measures the amount of lactate in your blood. Lactate is a substance produced when your body breaks down sugar for energy, especially during times of low oxygen or high demand.

Quick summary

["Lactate helps your body produce energy quickly and is important for normal function during exercise or illness."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57362-6
Short code
Lactate 30M p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Lactate 30M 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 healthcare provider may order a lactate test to check for conditions that affect how well your body uses oxygen, such as heart problems, severe infections, or low blood flow to organs. It can also help assess how well your body is responding to treatment for these conditions.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it’s part of a metabolic study. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.

How the Test Is Done

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause much discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

What the Results Mean

Results can vary depending on your health status, activity level, and other factors. High lactate levels may indicate conditions like shock, heart failure, or severe infections, while low levels might suggest poor oxygen delivery or certain metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes high lactate levels?
High lactate levels can occur due to conditions that limit oxygen use, such as heart problems, low blood pressure, or severe infections. It can also happen during intense exercise or in people with certain metabolic disorders.
What causes low lactate levels?
Low lactate levels can sometimes occur in people with conditions that affect how the body uses oxygen, such as certain heart or lung diseases. Rarely, it may be related to genetic or metabolic disorders.
How often should I get this test?
Your healthcare provider will determine how often you need this test based on your health condition and treatment plan. Regular tests may be needed if you have ongoing health issues like heart disease or infections.
  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