Lactate in Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of lactate, a byproduct of energy production in your body, in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your body is handling oxygen and energy use.
["Lactate levels can indicate issues with oxygen delivery or metabolism, especially during exercise or illness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40283-4
- Short code
- Lactose 1.5h p Lac PO SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lactose 1.5h p Lac PO SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate conditions affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as severe infections, heart or lung problems, or metabolic disorders. It’s also used during surgery or critical care to monitor how well your body is responding to treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it’s part of a metabolic study. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your health history and symptoms. Elevated levels may suggest poor oxygen use, infections, or other metabolic issues, while lower levels might indicate conditions like severe dehydration or certain genetic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Elevated lactate levels can signal conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or respiratory distress, where the body struggles to meet its energy needs. Low levels may be seen in conditions like severe dehydration or certain metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your doctor for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Serum Lactate
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated lactate levels in the blood?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
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