Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Lactic acid

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Lactate test


Normal Values

4.5 to 19.8 mg/dL (0.5-2.2 mmol/L)

Note: mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter; mmol/L = millimoles per liter


What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results suggest that body tissues are not getting enough oxygen. See: Oxygen deprivation

Conditions associated with increased lactic acid levels include:

  • Hypoxia seen in shock
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hepatic (liver) problems
  • Ischemia (not enough oxygenated blood getting to a certain area)
  • Lung disease

Images

Review Date: 05/07/2009
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)