What does the Lactate - LAC blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Lactate, also known as lactic acid, is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. The lactate test measures the level of lactic acid in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. It's used to assess tissue oxygenation, diagnose lactic acidosis, and monitor its treatment. Elevated lactate levels can indicate various conditions, including sepsis, shock, heart failure, severe liver disease, and certain metabolic disorders. In sports medicine, it's used to evaluate athletic performance and recovery. The test is also valuable in emergency settings to assess the severity of illness and guide treatment decisions.
A lactate level below 0.5 mmol/L is uncommon and may indicate:
Low lactate levels are generally not a significant clinical concern unless accompanied by other symptoms or abnormalities. However, persistently low levels should be investigated to rule out underlying metabolic issues.
Elevated lactate levels (>2.0 mmol/L) can indicate:
High lactate levels are often associated with increased mortality risk in critically ill patients. They require prompt medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause. Persistent elevation may indicate ongoing tissue hypoperfusion or metabolic dysfunction.