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Lactate (Blood) – Substance Concentration in Whole Blood

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

This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down sugar for energy, especially during exercise or illness.

Quick summary

["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and can signal potential health concerns like low oxygen levels or metabolic issues."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19240-1
Short code
Lactate BldMV-sCnc
Synonyms
Lactate BldMV-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 this test to check for conditions like low blood oxygen (hypoxia), heart or lung problems, or metabolic disorders. It’s also useful before or after surgery, during severe illness, or if you have symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. It usually takes a few minutes. If you’re on a blood thinner, let your doctor know to avoid unnecessary bleeding.

What the Results Mean

Results can vary based on activity level, diet, and health status. High levels may indicate poor oxygen use, while very low levels might suggest unusual metabolic processes. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to monitor conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or severe infections. It can also help track how well treatments for these conditions are working.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Lactate levels can rise when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen (e.g., from heart or lung problems) or when cells break down sugar inefficiently. High levels may signal emergencies like severe infections or shock, while very low levels might need further investigation for rare metabolic disorders.

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lactate levels?
Elevated lactate can result from intense exercise, severe infections, heart or lung disease, low blood sugar, or conditions that restrict blood flow to tissues. It may also appear in people with certain metabolic disorders or during shock.
What causes low lactate levels?
Low lactate levels are less common but can occur in people with rare metabolic disorders, certain genetic conditions, or during extreme physical stress (e.g., prolonged fasting or severe dehydration). Your doctor will evaluate this in relation to your symptoms and other test results.
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
Yes, exercise, diet, and hydration can influence lactate levels. Avoiding intense exercise before testing and staying hydrated may help provide more accurate results. Your doctor may also recommend fasting if the test is part of a metabolic evaluation.
  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