Serum Lactate (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy, in your blood serum.
["Lactate helps assess how well your body is using oxygen and can signal potential issues with circulation or metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35245-0
- Short code
- Lactate SerPl-msCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactate SerPl-msCnc
- 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 to check for conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as low blood flow, heart problems, or metabolic disorders. It’s also used during surgery or critical care to monitor oxygen supply and energy production in real time.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may fast before the test if instructed by your doctor, but this depends on the clinical reason for testing. Bring any medications you’re currently taking.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard values for healthy adults. High levels may indicate poor oxygen delivery, shock, or other serious conditions. Low levels might suggest unusual energy metabolism or certain medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated lactate levels often signal hypoxia (low oxygen), which can occur in conditions like heart failure, sepsis, or severe dehydration. It’s also a marker for lactic acidosis, a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood. Doctors use these results to guide treatment, such as improving oxygen supply or adjusting medications.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
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