American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

For what condition is a lactate level primarily checked?

1. Dehydration

2. Acidosis

3. Metabolic syndrome

4. Diabetes

The correct answer is: Acidosis

The lactate level is primarily checked in the context of acidosis, particularly lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of lactic acid in the body, which can happen due to various conditions, such as sepsis, shock, severe hypoxia, or intense exercise. High levels of lactate can indicate that the body's tissues are not receiving enough oxygen, leading to anaerobic metabolism and resulting in acidosis. Monitoring lactate levels is critical in clinical settings to gauge the patient's metabolic state, guide treatment decisions, and track the progress of intervention. In conditions associated with acidosis, elevated lactate serves as a key marker for assessing the severity of illness and guiding resuscitation efforts. While lactate levels can be affected in dehydration, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, these conditions do not provide the same direct correlation with the physiological processes that lead to significant changes in lactate levels as acidosis does. Therefore, the relevance of lactate measurement is primarily linked to its role in evaluating acidosis.