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Serum Lactate Concentration

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 serum.

Quick summary

["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen for energy and can signal potential issues with circulation or metabolism."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57728-8
Short code
Lactate 40M p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Lactate 40M 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 doctor may order this test to evaluate conditions like low blood oxygen levels, heart problems, infections, or metabolic disorders. It can also help monitor patients during surgery or critical care situations.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.

What the Results Mean

Higher than normal levels may indicate conditions like shock, heart failure, or severe infections. Lower levels might suggest conditions like severe dehydration or certain metabolic disorders.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to monitor patients with conditions like sepsis, heart attack, or during surgery to ensure proper oxygen delivery to tissues.

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?
Elevated lactate can result from low blood oxygen, heart problems, infections, or severe illness. It may also appear during or after surgery if your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
What causes low lactate levels?
Low lactate levels can occur with severe dehydration, certain metabolic disorders, or in some cases of extreme exercise or heat exposure where the body uses oxygen more efficiently.
How often is this test repeated?
Your doctor may repeat this test if you’re critically ill, recovering from surgery, or have conditions that affect oxygen use. Frequency depends on your medical needs and treatment plan.
  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