178k views
3 votes
Why might erroneous hyperlactatemia be reported? why might lactate truly be high?

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Erroneous hyperlactatemia can be reported due to inadequate sampling or technical errors, while high lactate levels can be caused by intense exercise or medical conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elevated lactate levels can be reported erroneously due to various factors. One possible reason is inadequate sampling or handling of the blood sample, which can lead to an inaccurate measurement.

Another reason could be a technical error or instrument malfunction during the lactate measurement process.

On the other hand, lactate levels can truly be high due to several underlying factors. During intense exercise, the production of lactate increases as a result of anaerobic glycolysis.

This occurs when the body cannot supply enough oxygen to meet the demand of the muscles. Medical conditions such as sepsis, shock, hypoxia, or liver dysfunction can also lead to increased lactate levels.

Therefore, when interpreting lactate levels, it is important to consider the context in which they are measured and take into account potential sources of error.

User Gonzalez
by
7.4k points