Lactate Pyurvate Ratio Blood

This test is used to evaluate the ratio of lactate and pyruvate present in the blood. The lactate is produced by almost every cell in the body. It is produced by the cells which are then converted to produce ATP as energy. Abnormal levels of lactate and pyruvate ratio may indicate the lack of oxygen supply (hypoxia) to the cells or the presence of any metabolic disorders like diabetes or lactic acidosis.

What is the lactate and pyruvate ratio?

Lactate pyruvate ratio is one of the tests useful in diagnosing any metabolic diseases. The lactate and pyruvate/pyruvic acid are the intermediates in cellular metabolism where the carbohydrate and glucose are converted within the cells to produce energy. Diseases in which the cellular metabolism is altered may have an abnormal ratio of lactate and pyruvate. This can be useful for identifying the cause of the diseases or disorders like lactic acidosis, diabetes, infections etc.

Why is this test performed?

The lactate-pyruvate ratio 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.

If your Lactate pyruvate ratio 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.