What it means
When cells do not get enough oxygen, they make energy without it and produce lactateLAK-taytA substance made when cells break down glucose for energy; its blood level is a common lab test.lact/o milk (lactic acid was first found in sour milk)-ate a salt of an acidFull entry . If lactate builds up faster than the liver can clear it, the blood becomes acidic. Common causes are shockshokA life-threatening state in which blood flow is too low to bring enough oxygen to the body's tissues.Full entry , sepsisSEP-sisA severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.Full entry and severe low oxygen; liver failure and, rarely, metforminmet-FOR-minAn oral drug for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar, mainly by reducing the sugar the liver releases.Full entry (mainly with kidney failure) can also cause it. A blood lactate above about 2 mmol/L is raised.
For the nurse
Report a high or rising lactate. Expect to treat the cause, often with fluids and oxygen, and to recheck the lactate. Metformin may be held around tests that use IV contrast dye, as ordered.
Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
metformin
An oral drug for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar, mainly by reducing the sugar the liver releases.
shock
A life-threatening state in which blood flow is too low to bring enough oxygen to the body's tissues.
lactate
A substance made when cells break down glucose for energy; its blood level is a common lab test.
anion gap
A number calculated from blood electrolytes, sodium minus chloride and bicarbonate, that helps find the cause of metabolic acidosis.