Also Known As
Lactate Test, Lactic Acid (Plasma)
Purpose of the Lactic Acid Blood Test
The lactic acid test helps diagnose lactic acidosis or lactate buildup in the blood, helping detect hypoxia (lack of oxygen), sepsis (fatal reaction to infection), and other medical conditions.
What Does the Lactic Acid Test Measure?
A lactic acid blood test evaluates the amount of lactate in the blood. Lactate or lactic acid is produced by the muscles and red blood cells (RBCs). They increase in the bloodstream when oxygen levels in tissues go down – a condition called hypoxia.
Hypoxia is a direct consequence of lactic acidosis. It can be caused by prolonged high-intensity exercise, shock (septic, anaphylactic, cardiogenic, etc.), low blood sugar, cancer, seizure, and liver failure.
Additionally, a lactate acid lab test is also performed to assess cardiovascular problems, as hypoxia can be associated with heart failure and hypoperfusion or decreased blood flow.
Who Should Take a Lactic Acid Lab Test?
Those who experience symptoms of lactic acidosis should take the lactic acid blood test. These symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Chronic fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- General discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain or cramping
Lactate Blood Test Preparation
No special preparation is necessary prior to the blood sample collection.
Lactate Test Results
The normal range for lactic acid in the blood is between 4.8 to 25.7 mg/dL. However, this reference interval may vary slightly depending on the laboratory running the lactic acidosis labs. Age can also be another factor for difference ranges.
Still, getting a higher test value indicates lactic acidosis, which can be associated with health conditions, such as sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, liver problem, and cardiovascular disease.
Hence, you doctor may request additional tests, depending on your symptoms, family history of disease, and other factors. These could include heart failure blood tests, liver function tests, comprehensive diabetes profile blood tests, and other lab bloodworks.
Where Can I Get a Lactate Blood Test Done Near Me?
Getting the lactic acid test can be done through these four simple steps.
Step 1: Go to our website’s heart health blood tests section, order the lactic acid blood test and download the lab test order. This becomes your doctor’s order for your lab work.
Step 2: Use our lab locator to choose a partner laboratory.
Step 3: Visit the partner medical center you chose to have your blood drawn for analysis.
Step 4: Wait for the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.
For an exact turnaround time for results, please get in touch with us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice (Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.
