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What is the Lab Name for Lactic Acid Lab Values?

Lactic Acid

 

What is Lactic Acid in terms of Nursing Labs?

Lactate (Lactic Acid) is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. Normally, the tissues use aerobic metabolism to breakdown glucose for energy and the byproduct is CO2 and H2O which we excrete through our kidneys and exhalation. However, if the tissues are starved of oxygen (hypoxic), they use anaerobic metabolism. This can be compounded if the liver is also hypoxic causing the liver to be unable to clear the lactic acid.

 

What is the Normal Range for Lactic Acid?

0.3 -2.6 mmol/L

 

What are the Indications for Lactic Acid?

• Determine cause of acidosis
• Evaluate tissue oxygenation

 

What would cause Increased Levels of Lactic Acid?

• Shock
• Sepsis
• Tissue ischemia
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Lactic acidosis
• Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
• Heart failure
• Pulmonary edema
• Strenuous exercise

 

What would cause Decreased Levels of Lactic Acid?

N/A