Lactate, Serum Test
Lactate, Serum Test
A lactate blood test measures the amount of lactate (the ionic form of lactic acid) in the blood sample to detect various medical conditions resulting from either excessive production or insufficient clearing of this chemical. Often, the test is done on venous blood, but arterial blood lactate tests may also be ordered to avoid the collection of a second specimen.
Lactate is produced when the body breaks down glucose without adequate oxygen, serving as an alternative energy source. This process, known as anaerobic metabolism, occurs mainly in muscle tissues and red blood cells, often during intense exercise or physical exertion. Normally, lactate levels decrease once the activity ends, as the liver and kidneys convert it back into glucose for future energy use. However, in certain medical conditions, lactate production exceeds the body's threshold, leading to lactic acidosis. If left untreated, lactic acidosis can cause heart problems, organ failure, or even death.
Therefore, a lactate blood test, along with other lab investigations, is an invaluable tool to diagnose hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and lactic acidosis. For those on treatment for chronic or acute conditions, the measurement also helps monitor the hypoxia and treatment response.
What is the Lactate Blood Test Used For?
The Lactate blood test is intended
To detect and evaluate the severity of hypoxia and lactic acidosis in people having associated symptoms
To monitor medical condtions such as sepsis, shock or heart attack that causes rise in lactate levels
Symptoms of Lactic acidosis
The most common symptoms of high levels of lactate include
Rapid heart rate
Nausea and vomiting
Soreness in the muscles
Shortness of breath
Belly pain
Excess sweating
Preparation for Test
To prepare for the lactate test, you may need to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid undertaking strenuous exercises before the sample collection. Exercise can cause a temporary increase in lactic acid levels.
Interpretation of Test Results
Millimoles per Liter (mmol/L) is the scientific unit used to measure lactate levels in the blood.
The results of the lactate test are interpreted as follows:
|
Lactate Levels |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 2 mmol/Liter |
Normal |
|
2-4 mmol/Liter |
Hyperlactatemia (abnormally high lactate levels) |
|
More than 4 mmol/Liter |
Severe lactate levels indicate lactic acidosis |
FAQs
What conditions can lead to lactic acidosis?
Lactate in the blood can rise due to several conditions, like
· Severe lung, heart, liver, and kidney diseases
· Severe anemia
· Blood infection
· Diabetes
· Upper respiratory tract infection
· Heart failure
· Inherited mitochondrial disorders
· Intake of certain medications such as metformin and HIV drugs
· Alcoholism
· Vitamin B1 deficiency
What do high lactate levels indicate?
Elevated lactate indicates one or more of the following:
· Lack of oxygen in tissues(hypoxia)
· Presence of conditions that cause buildup of lactate in the body
· Presence of conditions that cause decreased clearance of lactate from the body
Can certain medications affect the results of lactate?
Yes, the overdose of certain medications like diabetes drugs (e.g., metformin), antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim), painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen), HIV drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), and asthma drugs (e.g., albuterol) can cause rise in lactate levels, which can erroneously reflect in the test result. Hence, it's important to inform the doctor of any medications taken.
Does this test have risks?
Being a blood test, there is a slight possibility that you may have swelling, tenderness, slight pain, or excessive bleeding at the site of needle insertion and, on extremely rare occasions, infection. However, most symptoms go away quickly.
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