Lactate
Lactate is a substance produced by your cells when they break down glucose for energy without enough oxygen, a process called anaerobic metabolism. It is normally cleared quickly by the liver.
Category: Metabolic Panel
Also known as: lactate, lactic acid, serum lactate, blood lactate, laktat
Reference range: 0.5–2 mmol/L (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: mmol/L
High values may indicate
High lactate levels may indicate shock, sepsis, heart failure, severe infection, or intense exercise. Persistently elevated levels suggest inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
Low values may indicate
Low lactate levels are generally not clinically significant and typically indicate normal tissue oxygenation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal Lactate level?
- A typical reference range for Lactate is 0.5–2 mmol/L (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is Lactate measured in?
- Lactate is most commonly reported in mmol/L. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do Lactate reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track Lactate over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your Lactate over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.