Serum or plasma lactate concentration
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy, especially during times of low oxygen or stress.
["Lactate helps assess how well your body is handling energy production and oxygen use, often checked in emergencies or during monitoring for conditions like shock or metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19239-3
- Short code
- Lactate BldC-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate BldC-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
- 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?
Doctors may order a lactate test to evaluate conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as severe infections, heart or lung problems, or low blood pressure. It can also help monitor recovery from surgeries or trauma.
Common Conditions Monitored
High lactate levels may indicate poor circulation, organ failure, or conditions like sepsis, while low levels could suggest dehydration or certain metabolic issues. Your doctor will interpret results based on your symptoms and medical history.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood, which usually takes a few minutes. If you’re on a monitor (like a heart rate or oxygen tracker), let your healthcare team know.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to measure lactate levels. Results are typically ready within hours or a few days, depending on the lab’s process.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated lactate levels often signal tissue hypoxia (low oxygen), which can occur in emergencies like heart attacks, severe infections, or bleeding. Low levels may reflect dehydration, certain medications, or metabolic disturbances. Your doctor will correlate results with your symptoms and other tests for a full picture.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Will this test affect my treatment?
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