Lactic acid

Alternative names:

lactate

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:

Severe oxygen deprivation of tissues results in a switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Since lactate is the main product of anaerobic metabolism, it accumulates. Hypoxia seen in shock, congestive heart failure, hematological disorders associated with blockage of veins, hepatic (liver) ischemia (blood deficiency), and pulmonary (lung) insufficiency is associated with increased serum lactate.