lactate lactic acid

Plasma lactate (NaF code LAK)

Also called lactic acid.

To detect a (local) lack of oxygen in someone.

High lactate levels are often caused by intense exercise, shock, or use of medication (metformin in diabetics, or isoniazid in tuberculosis). Intensive sports practice may lead to a temporary increase of lactate. In healthy athletes the lactate level drops quickly again.

Carbohydrate metabolism Mitochondriopathies Rare congenital metabolic disorders Adult metabolic disorders

reference values0
.50 - 2.20 mmol / l methodPhotometry

(PHOT)

The test determines the amount of lactate (lactic acid) in blood. Lactate is produced in muscles and brain and other tissues when there is too little oxygen present. Nutrients are absorbed in the body and burned in these organs to provide energy. Oxygen is needed for proper combustion. If enough oxygen is present, no or hardly any lactate will be formed. However, if too little oxygen is present, lactate will be formed during combustion instead of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. The lactate is converted back into carbon dioxide and water when there is enough oxygen again. However, if this takes too long, lactate accumulates in the blood, which disturbs the acid-base balance: the acidity (pH) drops; acidification occurs. This can be accompanied by muscle weakness, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting, sweating and it can even lead to a coma.
This test is requested by the doctor when lactate acidosis is suspected, performance diagnosis in sports lactate elevation
in: physical exertion (competitive sports), grand mal attacks, hyperventilation, postoperative, shock, sepsis, SIRS, lactate acidosis, CO poisoning, acute alcohol intoxication, vitamin B2 deficiency, medication, tumor diseases, infections (e.g. HIV), congenital lactate acidosis (mitochondrial myopathy, glycogen stacking disease, enzyme defects).

Athletes should request LDH to measure their lactic acid.