What is a Plasma Lactate Test?

The normal range for this test is 4.5 to 19.8 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 0.5 to 2.2 millimoles per liter mmol/L. These are reference ranges and may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. Seeking the opinion of a doctor is essential. It will help the patient understand the specific meaning of the test result.

A healthcare professional may recommend the test to find out if the patient’s body tissues are receiving enough oxygen. This test may also be required to diagnose sepsis, a bacterial infection that may be life-threatening. Moreover, the test may also be used to find out the nature (bacterial or viral) of suspected meningitis in a patient.

During a plasma lactate test, a healthcare professional draws blood from the vein. The patient feels a small prick or sting in the chosen area (usually the back of the arm or opposite end of the elbow). The patient must remember not to clench his or her first since it may result in higher lactic acid in the test result. 

For blood withdrawn from the vein, 4.5 to 19.8 mg/dL or 0.5 to 2.2 mmol/L is the normal range. For blood withdrawn from the artery, 0.5–1.6 mEq/L or 0.5–1.6 mmol/L is the normal range. This reference range may vary from laboratory to laboratory. 

Several conditions ranging from diseases to infections to metabolic disorders could result in high lactic acid levels:

• Lactic acidosis (type A or B)
• Congestive heart failure
• Sepsis or shock
• Fluid in the lungs
• Severe anaemia or leukemia
• Liver disease or damage
• Dehydration (loss of water from the blood)
• Extremely strenuous workout
• Problems with metabolism

Elevated or higher-than-normal lactic acid levels can lead to a life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis. In severe cases, it could disrupt the pH balance of the human body. Patients may show various symptoms, such as excessive sweating, sudden fatigue, muscle weakness, rapid breathing, bouts of vomiting, high fever, abdominal pain, confusion, clammy skin, and coma. 

The only way to treat high lactic acid levels is to find the underlying cause. Treatments differ depending on the root cause. For example, patients with uncontrolled diabetes need certain medications. If it is a temporary condition such as an infection or shock, lactic acid levels in the body will go back to normal once the condition resolves. 

Patients with lactic acid levels measured below 2 mmol/L (for blood from the artery) are critical. Since different laboratories may use different techniques or measurement parameters, it is advisable to consult with a doctor for a sound opinion. Abnormally high or low lactic acid levels in the blood indicate an underlying health condition.

Lactic acidosis begins when a body overproduces or underutilized lactic acid. It could result in an imbalance in the pH levels. Symptoms such as excessive sweating, yellowing of the eyes, confusion, and fruity-smelling breath are most common. This metabolic condition could have many reasons. Doctors can treat it by finding the root cause. If left untreated for a long time, it can turn fatal.

For a second opinion, book an appointment with our team of experts today at Yashoda Hospitals.