Lactic Acid Test-Why am I having this test?

Lactic acid test helps determine how much oxygen your body tissues are getting. Sugar (glucose) is used by your body for energy. When the oxygen supply to tissues is normal, glucose is broken down (metabolized) into carbon dioxide and water.

However, when the oxygen supply is lower than normal, lactic acid (lactate) is created instead. Anything that decreases your ability to get oxygen to your cells can increase lactate levels.

Because this test determines the amount of decreased oxygen supply to cells (hypoxia), it may be done to evaluate the level of oxygen in your tissues if you have or recently had any of these conditions:

• Seizures.
• Low blood pressure with poor blood supply to your organs (shock).
• A severe infection called sepsis.
• A blocked blood vessel.

The test may also be used to monitor the success of treatment for these conditions or others that can cause tissue hypoxia.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of lactic acid in your blood.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

Tell a health care provider about:

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

• Venous blood: 5–20 mg/dL or 0.6–2.2 mmol/L (SI units).
• Arterial blood: 3–7 mg/dL or 0.3–0.8 mmol/L (SI units).

What do the results mean?

Abnormally high lactate levels may indicate many health conditions. These may include:

• Recent or current shock.
• Recent seizure.
• Tissue hypoxia.
• Lack of blood supply to cells (tissue ischemia).
• Carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Severe liver disease.
• Genetic conditions resulting in abnormal glucose metabolism.
• A complication of diabetes mellitus.
• A severe infection called sepsis.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• The lactic acid test helps determine how much oxygen your body tissues are getting. When the oxygen supply is lower than normal, lactic acid (lactate) is created.
• The test may be done to evaluate the level of oxygen in your tissues if you have or recently had any condition that can cause a decreased oxygen supply to cells.
• Abnormally high lactate levels may indicate many health conditions. These may include a severe infection (sepsis), a lack of blood supply to cells, a recent seizure, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.