Lactate
ABGNormal range
0.5–2.2 mEq/L
SI: 0.5–2.2 mmol/L
Critical high: > 4 mEq/L
☎ When to call
Lactate > 2 with suspected infection or > 4 regardless — activate your sepsis pathway/call now. This number has a timer attached to it.
What you do
- The perfusion alarm. > 2 with suspected infection starts the sepsis clock at most facilities
- Anticipate the bundle: cultures, broad-spectrum antibiotics, 30 mL/kg crystalloid — know your protocol
- Repeat lactate to prove clearance — a falling lactate is the goal
Causes of HIGH lactate
Causes of LOW lactate
Source: Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines; Pagana, 7th ed.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.
