Serum Lactate (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, found in your blood serum. Lactate levels can help doctors assess how well your organs are working, especially during conditions like low oxygen, infections, or metabolic issues.
["Lactate levels can signal problems with oxygen delivery or energy metabolism in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29246-6
- Short code
- Lactate Fld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate Fld-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?
Doctors may order a serum lactate test to evaluate conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as severe infections, heart or lung problems, or shock. It can also help monitor patients during surgery or critical care situations where oxygen supply might be compromised.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but this depends on your doctor’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking, as some may affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You might feel a small pinch, but it’s quick and usually not painful. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
What Do Results Mean?
Lactate levels can vary based on health, activity level, and other factors. High levels may indicate conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or poor oxygen circulation. Low levels might suggest certain metabolic disorders or overcorrection of acidity in the blood.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Lactate is a key indicator of cellular energy metabolism and oxygen utilization. Elevated lactate often signals hypoxia (low oxygen) or tissue damage, guiding treatment decisions in critical care settings.
Short name
Serum Lactate
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What does a high lactate level usually mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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