Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much lactic acid is in your blood. Your muscles and red blood cells make lactic acid as your body works. When you are healthy, your liver breaks down the lactic acid. It becomes a waste product that is then removed from your blood. When you are sick, the lactic acid may start to build up in your blood. If this happens in your body, you may then have other signs. ‚
The doctor may order a lactic acid level: ‚
- When you have signs of low oxygen
- If you have a serious illness like sepsis; heart, lung, or kidney problems; or diabetes
- If you have liver problems
- To find the cause for the high amount of acid in your blood
- Learn more about how well you are breathing
- To find out how well your treatment is working
- To go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a healthy way. Your signs are not likely due to a problem with your lactic acid level.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about why your lactic acid levels are high.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask your doctor if you need to limit your activity before the test.
- You may be asked not to open and close your fist right before your blood is drawn.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you need to stop taking any drugs 10 to 12 hours before your test
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much lactic acid is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have a problem. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/lactate/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚