Serum or plasma lactate concentration (substance concentration)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down sugar for energy, in your blood.
["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and can signal potential health issues like low oxygen levels or metabolic problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51428-1
- Short code
- Lactate pre/p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate pre/p chal 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may request this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, or fatigue, especially after exercise, illness, or during procedures that require oxygen use. It may also be checked in people with conditions like heart disease, stroke, or severe infections where blood flow or oxygen delivery could be affected.
When to Expect Results
Results are typically ready within 24 to 48 hours, depending on your lab’s processing schedule. Your provider will discuss them with you during your follow-up visit.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic evaluation, but this isn’t always required for a standalone lactate test.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s generally quick and not painful. You can usually return to normal activities immediately afterward.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated lactate levels may indicate conditions like low blood oxygen (hypoxia), severe infections, heart problems, or metabolic disorders. Lower-than-expected levels might suggest overuse of oxygen or certain medications. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and overall health.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes lactate levels to change?
How long do results stay abnormal?
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