Serum or Plasma Lactate Concentration
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 during activity or illness.
["Lactate levels can indicate poor oxygen delivery, metabolic stress, or conditions like heart failure, shock, or infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59849-0
- Short code
- Lactate p Exc SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate p Exc SerPl-sCnc
- 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?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, low blood pressure, or signs of poor circulation. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like heart attacks, stroke, severe infections, or during surgery to check how your body is handling oxygen and energy use.
When Might You Need This Test?
This test is often done in hospital settings, especially during emergencies or when you’re critically ill. It may also be part of routine monitoring for people with chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, or metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed unless your doctor instructs otherwise. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. The process is quick and usually painless.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure lactate levels. Results are typically available within a few hours to a day, depending on the lab.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated lactate levels often signal poor oxygen delivery to tissues (hypoxia) or metabolic disturbances. High levels can indicate conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or severe dehydration. Low levels may suggest overuse of oxygen or certain metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your doctor for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated lactate levels?
How long does it take to get results?
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