The normal value for lactic acid test is 4.5-19.8mg/dL, and this range is unisex for all age groups.
A high lactate level in the blood means that the disease or condition a person has is causing lactate to accumulate.
In general, a greater increase in lactate means a greater severity of the condition. When associated with lack of oxygen, an increase in lactate can indicate that organs are not functioning properly. A number of conditions can cause elevated lactate levels.
They are separated into two groups according to the mechanism by which they cause lactic acidosis.
- Type A lactic acidosis, the most common type, may be due to conditions that cause a person to be unable to breathe in enough oxygen and/or cause reduced blood flow, resulting in decreased transport of oxygen to the tissues.
- Type B lactic acidosis is not related to delivery of oxygen but reflects excess demand for oxygen or metabolic problems.
