Lactate
LAC
Description
"Lactate" test measures the amount of lactate in your blood to evaluate how efficiently your body uses oxygen during energy production. High levels may signal lactic acidosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, or poor oxygen delivery. Doctors often recommend this test for symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or shortness of breath. A blood sample is analyzed to check for buildup. Results help guide treatment decisions such as oxygen therapy, supplements, or further testing to support better energy balance and metabolic health.
Test Category
Metabolites
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Milligrams Per Deciliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Mitochondrial Function Group
Test Group Description
Mitochondrial Function Group: This group evaluates various aspects of mitochondrial health and function, offering insights into cellular energy metabolism and potential mitochondrial disorders.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 4.50–14.40 mg/dL
SI Unit: 0.50–1.60 mmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 4.50–19.80 mg/dL
SI Unit: 0.50–2.20 mmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Cirrhosis (Chronic liver damage leading to scarring and dysfunction)
Dehydration
Diabetic ketoacidosis (Serious complication of diabetes characterized by high levels of ketones and acidosis)
Fluid loss
Hemorrhage (Excessive bleeding)
Hepatitis (Inflammation of the liver)
- ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Assessment of Exercise Intensity: Measures lactate levels to determine optimal training zones for athletic performance.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Lactic Acidosis: Identifies elevated lactate in conditions like lactic acidosis, guiding treatment.
Evaluation of Anaerobic Threshold: Determines the point where lactate production exceeds clearance, reflecting aerobic and anaerobic fitness.
Monitoring Critically Ill Patients: Tracks tissue perfusion and metabolic health in conditions like sepsis and organ failure.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Gladden LB. Lactate metabolism: a new paradigm for the third millennium. J Physiol. 2004;558(Pt 1):5-30.
[2] Bakker J, Gris P, Coffernils M, Kahn RJ, Vincent JL. Serial blood lactate levels can predict the development of multiple organ failure following septic shock. Am J Surg. 1996;171(2):221-226.
[3] Mizock BA. Lactic acidosis. Dis Mon. 1989;35(4):233-300.
[4] Nicholls P, Larsen FJ, Saido T, et al. The thermodynamic consequences of lactate dehydrogenase catalysis: the glycolytic end-product lactate is not an energy source for muscle contraction. J Physiol. 2022;600(5):1123-1143.
[5] Andersen LW, Mackenhauer J, Roberts JC, Berg KM, Cocchi MN, Donnino MW. Etiology and therapeutic approach to elevated lactate levels. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(10):1127-1140.
[6] Kraut JA, Madias NE. Lactic acidosis. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(24):2309-2319.
[7] Garcia-Alvarez M, Marik P, Bellomo R. Stress hyperlactataemia: present understanding and controversy. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2014;2(4):339-347.
[8] Jansen TC, van Bommel J, Bakker J. Blood lactate monitoring in critically ill patients: a systematic health technology assessment. Crit Care Med. 2009;37(10):2827-2839.
[9] Gattinoni L, Vasques F, Camporota L, Meessen J, Romitti F, Bonifazi M. Understanding lactate in intensive care patients: using it as a marker or a target? Intensive Care Med. 2019;45(9):1356-1359.
[10] Vink H, Konstantinides S. Blood lactate levels as a biomarker of cardiac arrest and resuscitation outcomes. J Intensive Care Med. 2017;32(7):487-497.
[11] Bakker J, Nijsten MW, Jansen TC. Clinical use of lactate monitoring in critically ill patients. Ann Intensive Care. 2013;3(1):12.
[12] Bellomo R, Ronco C, Kellum JA, Mehta RL, Palevsky P. Acute renal failure - definition, outcome measures, animal models, fluid therapy and information technology needs: the Second International Consensus Conference of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) Group. Crit Care. 2004;8(4).