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Serum Lactate Concentration (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method)

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

This test measures the amount of lactate in your blood serum, a compound produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like poor circulation, infections, or metabolic disorders.

Quick summary

["Lactate levels can signal underlying health concerns that may require further medical evaluation."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
27961-2
Short code
Lactate 3h p chal Bld-mCnc
Synonyms
Lactate 3h p chal Bld-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Critical range
— – 4 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as heart or lung problems, infections, or severe illness. It can also help monitor treatment progress in certain medical situations.

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 instructed. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.

How the Test Is Performed

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief sting, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to standard reference ranges for your age and health status. High levels may prompt further testing to identify causes like sepsis, heart failure, or dehydration. Low levels might be normal or could indicate conditions like severe exercise or certain metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Serum Lactate

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lactate levels in the blood?
Elevated lactate can result from conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to tissues (e.g., heart or lung problems), infections, severe illness, or conditions like shock or diabetes that impair the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently.
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they have the results.
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
Yes, intense physical activity or exercise can temporarily lower lactate levels, while rest or illness may raise them. However, chronic lifestyle factors like diet or hydration status may indirectly influence overall metabolic health, but they don’t directly alter lactate measurements alone.
  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