Lactic acid test
Alternative Names: Lactate test
Lactic acid is mainly produced in muscle cells and red blood cells. It forms when the body breaks down carbohydrates to use for energy during times of low oxygen levels. Your body's oxygen level might drop during intense exercise or if you have an infection or disease.
A test can be done to measure the amount of lactic acid in the blood.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is usually done to diagnose lactic acidosis.
How is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is needed. for information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.
Preparation for the Test
Do not exercise for several hours before the test. Exercise can cause a temporary increase in lactic acid levels.
How will the Test Feel?
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Lactic acid test Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Risks may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Considerations
Clenching the fist or having the elastic band in place for a long time while having blood drawn can artificially increase lactic acid level.
Normal Results for Lactic acid test
4.5 to 19.8 mg/dL (0.5-2.2 mmol/L)
Note: mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter; mmol/L = millimoles per liter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results mean that body tissues are not getting enough oxygen. See: Oxygen deprivation
Conditions that can increase lactic acid levels include:
- Heart failure
- Liver problems
- Lung disease
- Not enough blood containing oxygen getting to a certain area of the body
- Severe infection that affects the entire body (sepsis)
- Very low levels of oxygen in the blood
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Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
