Lactic acid (lactate)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Lactate is a laboratory blood test that measures the level of lactic acid (lactate) in the blood. Lactate is produced during glucose breakdown when oxygen supply to tissues is insufficient. The test is used to assess tissue metabolism, the degree of oxygen deprivation, and the severity of various acute and chronic conditions.

Indications

The test is recommended in cases of:

• suspected tissue hypoxia
• sepsis and severe infections
• shock conditions
• respiratory failure
• heart failure
• circulatory disorders
• suspected lactic acidosis
• intense physical exertion
• monitoring of critically ill patients in intensive care
• liver diseases and metabolic disorders

Procedure

• Collection of venous blood, less commonly arterial blood
• The analysis is performed in a laboratory using biochemical methods
• The procedure takes only a few minutes
• It is important to avoid physical exertion and stress before blood collection
• Results are usually available within 1 working day

Interpretation of Results

• Elevated lactate level:
  • may indicate insufficient oxygen supply to tissues
  • occurs in sepsis, shock, severe infections, respiratory or heart failure
  • may also occur after intense physical exercise
• Decreased lactate level:
  • is rare
  • usually has no significant clinical relevance

Clinical Significance

• Lactate is an important marker of tissue metabolism and oxygenation
• It is used to assess the severity of critical conditions
• Helps monitor treatment effectiveness in intensive care settings
• Elevated lactate levels may indicate lactic acidosis, a serious acid-base imbalance
• Results should always be interpreted together with clinical findings and other laboratory tests

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactic_acid
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-lactic-acid-blood-test
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24521-lactic-acid
https://www.osmosis.org/answers/lactic-acid
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326521

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or exacerbation of an existing condition, it is essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified healthcare provider can accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate course of action. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. Different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.