Lactate test
Explanation
Lactate is a substance the body produces while using food for energy. A lactate test usually measures its level in blood. A raised result can have several causes and needs the clinical situation to make sense.
Why can lactate rise?
Levels can rise when tissues receive too little oxygen, during severe infection, or when the body cannot process lactate normally. Strenuous exercise and some medicines can also increase it. A high result alone does not establish sepsis, a dangerous reaction to an infection that can damage organs, or another particular diagnosis.
Is raised lactate the same as lactic acidosis?
Not always. Lactate can be high while blood acidity remains within the usual range. Lactic acidosis describes a more serious disturbance involving excess acid as well as raised lactate. Other results, including blood pH, which measures acidity, help distinguish these situations.
Why might the test be repeated?
Repeated measurements can help monitor a condition and its treatment. Exercise or repeatedly clenching your fist during collection can temporarily affect the level, so follow the collection instructions.
Confusing Medical Report?
BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.
- Extensive. Summary, explanation per section, glossary.
- Fast & Reliable. Doctor-reviewed, within 24 hours.
- Privacy. Documents are automatically anonymized.
- Multilingual. German, English, Spanish or Italian.