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Lactate in Blood (Quantitative, Fingerstick/Capillary Blood)

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

This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, in a small blood sample taken from your fingertip.

Quick summary

["Lactate helps doctors check for conditions affecting oxygen supply or metabolism."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
75366-5
Short code
Lactate BldC Fetus Strip-sCnc
Synonyms
Lactate BldC Fetus Strip-sCnc
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
Method
test-strip
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 evaluate conditions like low blood oxygen (hypoxia), heart or lung problems, severe infections, or metabolic disorders. It’s also used during surgery or critical care to monitor how well your body is handling oxygen and energy production.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely have a small amount of blood drawn from your fingertip using a sterile needle. This is quick and usually painless. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know to avoid excessive bleeding.

What Happens During the Test?

The blood sample is tested using a portable device that detects lactate levels in real time. Results are often available immediately or within a few minutes.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal lactate levels may indicate poor oxygen delivery to tissues, infections, or other metabolic issues. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest overproduction of oxygen or unusual metabolic processes. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lactate levels?
Elevated lactate can result from conditions like severe infections, heart or lung disease, shock, or severe exercise. It can also appear in people with certain metabolic disorders or those who aren’t getting enough oxygen, such as during surgery or in critical care settings.
How often should I get this test?
Your provider will determine the frequency based on your health condition, treatment plan, or ongoing monitoring needs. It may be done periodically if you have chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Typically, no fasting is required for this test. However, always follow your provider’s instructions, as some fingerstick tests may have specific guidelines depending on the device used.
  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