Test guide
Lactate Test
This test measures the level of lactate, also called lactic acid, in a sample of your blood. In certain cases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be used. Normally, you have low levels of lactate in your blood and CSF. High levels of lactate may be a sign of a wide variety of medical conditions.
What it is for
A lactate blood test is most often used to diagnose lactic acidosis and find out how severe it is. It can also help evaluate and monitor many types of medical conditions that may make lactate levels rise. If a person appears to have meningitis , an infection of the brain and spinal cord, the test may be used to help find out if it is caused by bacteria or a virus . Because meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord, both cerebrospinal fluid and blood may be tested. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- lactic acid test, lactic acid: plasma, L-lactate
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