Serum or Plasma Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, in your blood. It helps doctors assess how well your body is using oxygen and managing energy.
["Lactate levels can signal how efficiently your body is functioning during stress or illness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2519-7
- Short code
- Lactate BldV-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate BldV-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?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as low blood flow, severe infections, heart problems, or metabolic disorders. It’s also used in monitoring patients with conditions like shock, heart failure, or during surgery to ensure proper oxygen delivery.
When Might You Need This Test?
You might need this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, weakness, or if you’re recovering from surgery, have a severe illness, or are experiencing low blood pressure. Doctors may also use it during critical care to track how your body responds to treatment.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure lactate levels. The test can be done quickly, especially in urgent care settings.
What Do Results Mean?
High lactate levels may indicate poor oxygen use, which can happen in emergencies like heart attacks, infections, or severe dehydration. Low levels might suggest conditions like low blood sugar or certain metabolic issues, but results depend on your overall health and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Lactate is a key indicator of cellular energy metabolism. Elevated levels often signal hypoxia (low oxygen), tissue damage, or metabolic stress, guiding urgent interventions in critical care settings. Low levels may warrant further evaluation for conditions like hypoglycemia or thyroid disorders.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes high lactate levels?
What causes low lactate levels?
How often is this test repeated?
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