Lactic Acid (Lactate)

Metabolic / Sepsis

Normal Reference Ranges

Adult

0.5 - 1.0 (Arterial) | 0.5 - 2.2 (Venous) mmol/L

Pediatric

0.5 - 2.0 mmol/L

Clinical Significance

Marker of anaerobic metabolism and tissue hypoperfusion. Crucial for identifying and prognosticating severe sepsis and shock.

Causes of High

  • Sepsis / Septic shock
  • Tissue ischemia
  • Severe hypoxia
  • Heart failure
  • Intense exercise
  • Metformin toxicity

Causes of Low

  • Normal finding