Serum Lactate Concentration (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your body’s levels of lactate over a 24-hour period, which helps assess how well your body is handling energy production and metabolism.
["Lactate levels can signal how efficiently your organs are working and may indicate conditions like poor circulation, metabolic disorders, or infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76597-4
- Short code
- S agalact cfb XXX.tiss NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- S agalact cfb XXX.tiss NAA+probe
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, confusion, rapid breathing, or unusual weakness, which could suggest abnormal energy metabolism. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or severe infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, usually while you’re lying down. If you’re being monitored closely (e.g., in a hospital), the test may be done through a catheter.
What the Results Mean
Lactate is a byproduct of energy use. Elevated levels may point to poor oxygen delivery (e.g., heart or lung issues), metabolic stress, or conditions like sepsis. Lower-than-expected levels might suggest overuse of glucose or certain medications.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps diagnose or track conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, severe infections, or metabolic disorders. Doctors may also use it to guide treatment for conditions like lactic acidosis or during surgery.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Lactate is a critical indicator of cellular energy balance. High levels often reflect inadequate oxygen supply (hypoxia) or excessive energy demand, which can signal life-threatening conditions. Doctors use it to adjust treatments for patients with critical illnesses, such as sepsis or shock, to prevent complications like organ failure.
Short name
24-Hour Lactate Profile
Frequently asked questions
How is lactate measured in this test?
Will I need to fast before this test?
Can this test detect long-term metabolic issues?
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