Lactate in Gastric Fluid (24-hour collection)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down sugar for energy, in your stomach fluid over a 24-hour period. It may help assess how well your digestive system is functioning or identify conditions affecting acid production.
["Lactate in gastric fluid can signal digestive or metabolic issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2521-3
- Short code
- Lactate Gast Ql
- Synonyms
- Lactate Gast Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 4 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), severe acid reflux, or other digestive disorders that could alter how your stomach processes food and produces energy. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to study metabolic processes in gastric fluid.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely need to fast for several hours before collecting the fluid, as food can affect the results. A healthcare provider will guide you on how to prepare, including any dietary restrictions or special instructions for collecting the fluid over 24 hours. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Is Performed
The test involves collecting gastric fluid through a procedure called gastric lavage, where a tube is inserted into your stomach. Fluid is gently washed out over time, and samples are collected and analyzed for lactate levels. The entire process is typically done under supervision by medical staff.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-expected lactate levels in gastric fluid might indicate conditions that disrupt normal digestion or energy metabolism, such as severe inflammation or impaired stomach function. Lower-than-expected levels may also be relevant in certain clinical contexts, depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance of this test includes evaluating metabolic disturbances in gastric secretions, diagnosing or monitoring conditions affecting stomach motility or acid production, and potentially guiding treatment plans for digestive disorders.
Short name
Gastric Fluid Lactate
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low lactate level in gastric fluid usually indicate?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the gastric fluid collection?
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