Why get tested?
To help detect hypoxia and other conditions that cause excess production or insufficient clearing of lactate from the blood

When to get tested?
If you have symptoms such as rapid breathing, nausea, and sweating that suggest a lack of oxygen or an acid/base imbalance; if your doctor suspects that you may have an inherited metabolic or mitochondrial disorder

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm; sometimes a blood sample collected from an artery and, rarely, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid collected from the spine

Note: Fasting may be required. Ask your doctor. You may also be told to rest prior to sample collection.