Lactate Level
Send lactate for any patient suspected of having sepsis.
Sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock have established definitions since 1992.
- Lab tube: Grey top microtainer on ice
- Point of care testing may be available in some areas
An elevated lactate (>1.25 mmol/L) may be a sign of organ dysfunction from sepsis.
Not every septic child will have an elevated lactate.
- Children can compensate for sepsis longer than adults can, so their lactate may remain normal until late in the course of illness.