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Lactic acid (lactate) in the blood
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Lactate (lactic acid) is the end product of glycolysis. At rest, the main source of lactate in plasma is erythrocytes. During physical exertion, lactate leaves the muscles, is converted into pyruvate in the liver, or is metabolized by brain tissue and the heart. Reference values (norm) for lactate concentration in the blood are shown in the table.
Blood lactate concentrations increase in tissue hypoxia due to decreased tissue perfusion or decreased blood oxygen content. Accumulation of lactate can decrease blood pH and decrease bicarbonate concentrations, leading to metabolic acidosis.
Reference values (norm) of lactate concentration in the blood
Blood lactate concentration |
||
Blood |
Mg/dl |
Mmol/l |
Venous Arterial |
8.1-15.3 <11.3 |
0.9-1.7 <1.3 |
Lactate/pyruvate ratio |
10/1 |
|
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