🩺 Affordable Private Healthcare

Lactate Test

Price
£110

Turnaround

7 working days

Appointment

15 minutes

assistant taking blood from a woman for a lactate test

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4.8
4.8/5
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4.7/5
Care Quality Commission
Primary Care & Diagnostics Finalist Award

pound iconPrice: £110

Turnaround: 7 working days

Appointment: 15 minutes

The Purpose Of A Lactate Test

A lactic acid blood test, also known as a lactate test, measures the amount of lactic acid in your blood. Lactic acid is produced when the body breaks down carbohydrates for energy. This happens during intense physical activity or when oxygen supply is limited.

High levels of lactic acid can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention. Making a lactic acid blood test is a very important one to have.

Why Is It An Important Test?

This test is commonly used to help diagnose a variety of conditions that may cause a build-up of lactic acid, including:

  • Lactic acidosis: A condition where there is an excessive amount of lactic acid in the blood, often associated with metabolic disorders, kidney failure, sepsis, or severe infections.
  • Severe exercise or dehydration: Intense physical activity or dehydration can cause a temporary rise in lactate levels.
  • Heart failure: When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, oxygen supply to tissues may be compromised, leading to increased lactate production.
  • Respiratory diseases: Conditions that impair lung function can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching tissues, triggering an increase in lactic acid.

What Can Elevated Lactic Acid Levels Mean?

While a temporary rise in lactic acid is often harmless, consistently high levels may point to more serious conditions, such as:

  • Certain inherited or acquired conditions can affect the body’s ability to clear lactic acid, leading to lactic acidosis.
  • Reduced blood flow or oxygenation to tissues can cause lactic acidosis, which may occur during shock or critical illness.
  • Sepsis, an infection that spreads throughout the body, can increase lactate levels.
Woman doctor smiling
Woman doctor taking notes

Interpreting Your Results

Lactate levels are typically measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). A normal lactate level is usually below 2 mmol/L, although this may vary slightly based on your clinic’s reference range.

Higher than normal levels may indicate a problem. Still, your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history to determine if further investigation is necessary.

When To Consider Getting A Lactic Acid Test

If you experience symptoms like:

  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid breathing
  • Nausea
  • Confusion (especially after physical exertion or during an illness)

 

Statistics​

Of UK heart failure patients experience high lactate
0 %
Of UK respiratory disease cases link to high lactate
0 %
Of lactic acidosis cases in the UK are kidney-related
0 %
Of critical illness cases in the UK show high lactate
0 %

How To Book A Blood Test?

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

preparing for appointment

Preparing for test

Depending on the specific instructions from one of our healthcare providers, you may need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before your lactic acid blood test. However, to be safe, just confirm if fasting is required when booking an appointment.

Do not forget to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. This is important, as some drugs can affect your lactic acid levels.

during the appointment

During the test

Our blood-drawing specialist will clean the area around your vein. Afterwards, they will insert a needle to collect a blood sample.

The process typically takes a few minutes to complete. While there may be a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, the test itself is not painful. Any discomfort felt is typically brief.

post appointment

Results

You can resume most of your daily activities right after your test. You may experience slight bruising or tenderness at the needle site. However, it is short-lived.

Your results will typically be available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will inform you about the results and any necessary follow-up actions.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic
for blood testing

No
Hidden Charges

Transparent fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

No GP consultation
needed

No GP appointment requirement for blood tests

Established
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

Strictly
confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

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Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

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Why would I need a lactic acid blood test?
This test is typically ordered if a healthcare provider suspects conditions that involve lactic acid buildup, such as shock, severe infections, liver disease, or respiratory problems. It can also help assess the severity of metabolic conditions like sepsis or lactic acidosis. If you experience symptoms like unexplained fatigue, rapid breathing, confusion, nausea, dizziness, or muscle weakness. You may need to get a lactic acid test.
What does a high lactic acid content in your blood indicate?
Elevated lactic acid levels may indicate that your body is not getting enough oxygen, which can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, sepsis, shock, severe infections, or severe trauma. In some cases, it may also indicate a liver disorder.
What does a low lactic acid level mean?
Low lactic acid levels are generally not a concern. However, in some cases, very low lactic acid levels might indicate a metabolic issue. It could also indicate malnutrition, where your body is not producing enough lactic acid.

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