Lactate
Also known as Lactate BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to evaluate the levels of lactate present in the blood. The lactate is produced by almost every cell in the body. It is produced by the cells which is then converted to produce ATP as energy. Increase in serum lactate levels indicates the lack of oxygen (hypoxia to the cells or the presence of any metabolic disorders like diabetes or lactic acidosis.
What is lactate?
Lactate is a product of cell metabolism. A large amount of lactate is produced by the cells during the lack of oxygen due to strenuous exercise or in seriously ill patients who are suffering from conditions like sepsis, hypoxia, lactic acidosis, etc. The lactate is released into the blood which is then metabolized and excreted by the liver. The blood concentrations of lactate may be used to evaluate the disease or disorders.
Why is this test performed?
The lactate blood test is recommended in individuals if they are experiencing symptoms of hypoxia or lactic acidosis like headaches, fever, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, paleness, sweating, coma, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, rapid breathing etc.
This test is recommended to patients suffering from diseases or conditions like meningitis, sepsis, shock, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes etc. This test may also be recommended to evaluate the progress of the treatment or to evaluate the condition of the patient.
Precautions:
Exercise and some medicines like aspirin and metformin may interfere with your test results. However, follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Lactate. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Lactate.
No test preparations are needed in general.
Understanding your test results
If your lactate blood test results are higher than the normal range then it may indicate that the individual is suffering from a condition or a disease which is causing the lactate to build up in the blood. The diseases or conditions which may increase the blood lactate are shock, sepsis, heart attack, congestive heart failure, lung diseases like pneumonia, respiratory failure, fluid accumulation in lungs (Pulmonary edema), diseases which increase the metabolic demand like liver and kidney diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, leukemia (type of cancer which affects the blood and bone marrow), AIDS etc.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests, etc.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 0.5 - 1mmol/L |