Serum Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of lactate in your blood serum. Lactate is a substance produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy, especially during times of low oxygen or high demand.
["Lactate levels help doctors assess how well your body is handling energy production and oxygen use."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59013-3
- Short code
- Lactate 30M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate 30M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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 This Test Might Be Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, or fatigue, which can indicate low oxygen levels or metabolic issues. It’s also used to monitor conditions such as heart failure, shock, or severe infections where lactate buildup is common.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw if your doctor recommends it. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Works
A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure lactate concentration using a specialized method.
What the Results Mean
High lactate levels may suggest conditions like severe dehydration, heart problems, or infections. Low levels might indicate conditions like low blood sugar or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated lactate levels are often a marker of cellular hypoxia (low oxygen) or impaired metabolism, which can occur in conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or severe trauma. Doctors use these results to guide treatment, such as adjusting oxygen therapy or fluid balance.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated lactate levels?
What happens if my lactate level is high?
Can I avoid fasting before 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