What is being analysed?

Lactate, also known as lactic acid, is a substance produced in the body during intense physical activity or when oxygen levels are low. Lactate levels can be measured in the blood to assess various medical conditions.

What does the result mean?

Elevated lactate levels may indicate tissue hypoxia, shock, sepsis, heart failure, liver disease, or certain metabolic disorders. Conversely, low lactate levels are typically considered normal but can be seen in rare conditions such as liver disease or in individuals with exceptionally high aerobic capacity.

Why do the analysis?

Lactate analysis is essential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as sepsis, shock, heart failure, and tissue hypoxia. It helps doctors assess the severity of these conditions and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

When to do the analysis?

Lactate analysis is typically performed in emergency situations, during critical care management, or when symptoms suggestive of tissue hypoxia or metabolic disorders are present. It can also be part of routine monitoring in certain medical conditions.

What sample is required?

Blood is the primary sample used for lactate analysis. Arterial, venous, or capillary blood samples can be collected for testing.

Is any type of prior preparation necessary?

No specific prior preparation is required for lactate analysis. However, doctors may advise fasting for a few hours before the test to obtain accurate results.

How is it used?

Lactate levels are used in conjunction with clinical assessment and other laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. Trends in lactate levels over time can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and guide further management decisions.

What are the normal values?

Normal lactate levels in blood typically range from 0.5 to 2.2 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) or 4.5 to 19.8 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).

What does it mean to have altered values?

Elevated lactate levels (lactic acidosis) may indicate:

• Tissue hypoxia (e.g., due to shock, heart failure)
• Sepsis or systemic infection
• Liver disease or dysfunction
• Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis)

Low lactate levels are less common but can be seen in:

• Liver disease
• Rare metabolic conditions
• Individuals with exceptionally high aerobic capacity

Table: Lactate levels in blood

This table provides a general guideline for interpreting lactate levels, but interpretation may vary depending on the clinical context and individual patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.