Plasma or Serum Lactate Concentration
This test measures the amount of lactate, a substance produced when your body breaks down carbohydrates for energy, in your blood.
["Lactate levels help assess how well your body is using oxygen and managing energy production, especially in emergencies or during illness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50514-9
- Short code
- LH sp6 SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH sp6 SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- 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 order this test if you have symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, or low blood pressure, which could indicate conditions like shock, severe infection, or metabolic issues. It may also be used during surgery, in intensive care, or if you have a condition affecting how your body uses oxygen, such as heart or lung problems.
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 metabolic study, but this isn’t always required. 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 using a small needle. You may feel a brief sting, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Lactate levels can vary based on your health, activity level, and other factors. High levels may suggest conditions like sepsis, heart failure, or severe dehydration. Low levels might indicate low energy production or certain metabolic disorders. Your provider will discuss the results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated lactate levels often signal hypoxia (low oxygen) or impaired cellular metabolism, which can occur in conditions such as sepsis, cardiac arrest, or severe trauma. It’s a critical marker in monitoring patients with shock, stroke, or during surgery. Low levels may raise concerns about mitochondrial dysfunction or other metabolic disturbances.
Short name
Lactate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes lactate levels to be high?
What causes lactate levels to be low?
How often should I get this test?
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