Serum or Plasma Lactate Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, in either serum or plasma. It helps assess how well your body is handling oxygen and energy use, especially in conditions like heart disease, stroke, or infections.
["Lactate levels can signal how efficiently your body is using oxygen and energy, particularly in emergencies or chronic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32133-1
- Short code
- Lactate PlasV-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate PlasV-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?
Doctors may order a lactate test to evaluate conditions affecting blood flow, oxygen supply, or energy metabolism. Common reasons include suspected heart attack, stroke, severe infections (like sepsis), or monitoring during surgery or critical care.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, or if testing urine, you might be asked to collect a sample at home. If you’re in a hospital, a healthcare provider will guide you through the process.
What the Results Mean
Lactate levels can vary based on activity, health, and medical conditions. High levels may indicate poor oxygen delivery to tissues, while low levels could suggest overuse of alternative energy pathways. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Affecting Lactate Levels
Elevated lactate is often seen in emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, or severe infections. Chronic conditions like heart failure or diabetes may also influence baseline levels. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
What are typical reference ranges?
Can lifestyle changes affect lactate levels?
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