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Plasma Lactate Concentration

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

This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, found in your plasma. It helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and managing energy.

Quick summary

["Lactate levels can indicate potential issues with oxygen delivery or metabolism."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32132-3
Short code
Lactate PlasA-sCnc
Synonyms
Lactate PlasA-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
plasma
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
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 to check for conditions affecting oxygen use, such as heart or lung problems, severe infections, or low blood sugar. It’s also used during surgeries or critical care to monitor how your body responds to stress or illness.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re in a hospital or clinic setting, staff will guide you through the process.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a blood sample into a tube. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The process usually takes a few minutes.

What Are the Results?

Results are reported as a concentration of lactate in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Your doctor will compare these results to your health status and other tests to interpret them.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

High lactate levels can signal conditions like shock, heart failure, severe infections, or metabolic disorders. Low levels might indicate overuse of oxygen or certain medications. Always discuss results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your full medical picture.

Short name

Lactate Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lactate levels?
Elevated lactate can result from conditions that limit oxygen delivery (e.g., heart or lung problems), severe infections, dehydration, or certain medications. It can also appear during intense exercise or in people with metabolic disorders.
What causes low lactate levels?
Low lactate levels may occur in people with overactive oxygen use (e.g., some breathing disorders), certain medications, or in rare cases of overcorrection in critical care settings. Your doctor will evaluate this in context with your symptoms and other tests.
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
While exercise can temporarily raise lactate levels, lifestyle changes like diet or hydration may indirectly influence your body’s ability to manage energy. Always consult your doctor before making significant changes, especially if you have health conditions.
  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