Serum or plasma lactate concentration
This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, typically found in blood serum or plasma.
["Lactate helps assess how well your body is meeting its energy needs and can signal potential health issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59006-7
- Short code
- Lactate 3M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate 3M 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 Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order a lactate test to check for conditions affecting blood flow, oxygen use, or metabolism. It can help diagnose or monitor problems like heart attacks, low blood sugar, infections, or severe illness, such as sepsis. It may also be used during surgery or in emergency situations to track how well your body is responding to treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw if your doctor specifies it. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Happens After the Test?
The blood sample is processed to measure lactate levels. Results are typically available within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on lab procedures. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain any follow-up steps needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated lactate levels?
Low lactate levels can occur in people who are well-oxygenated, have low muscle activity, or have certain metabolic or hormonal conditions. Rarely, it may be seen in people with specific genetic disorders or after certain treatments.
Is there any risk or discomfort with 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