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Serum or Plasma Lactate Measurement

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

This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy. It helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and can indicate conditions like low blood oxygen, metabolic issues, or infections.

Quick summary

["Lactate levels can signal serious health concerns, especially in emergencies or chronic conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
110582-4
Short code
Lactate Msmt Ur
Synonyms
Lactate Msmt Ur
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Critical range
— – 4 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order a lactate test to evaluate conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as shock, heart or lung problems, or infections. It’s often used in critical care settings to monitor patients with severe illness or injury.

How It Works

Lactate is measured in a sample of blood (serum or plasma) using a lab test that detects its concentration. High levels may appear shortly after oxygen supply is cut off, making it useful for quick assessments in emergencies.

What to Expect

You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein for blood collection. The test is quick but may cause a brief pinch. Results are typically ready within hours.

Possible Results

Lactate levels vary by health status. High levels may suggest conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or severe dehydration. Low levels might indicate overuse of oxygen or certain metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Elevated lactate is a key marker for tissue hypoxia (low oxygen) and can signal life-threatening conditions like septic shock, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure. It helps guide urgent treatment decisions, such as fluid resuscitation or oxygen therapy.

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes high lactate levels?
High lactate can result from conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to tissues (e.g., heart or lung problems), infections, severe dehydration, or certain medications. It may also appear in people with diabetes or kidney disease.
What causes low lactate levels?
Low lactate can occur in people with overactive metabolism (e.g., certain genetic disorders), excessive oxygen use (e.g., during exercise), or rare metabolic conditions. It’s less common but may require further evaluation.
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
Yes. Physical activity, diet, and hydration can influence lactate production. In some cases, managing underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes) may help stabilize levels, but this test is primarily for medical evaluation, not routine monitoring.
  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