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Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging
Published on: December 30, 2016
How to interpret lactate
Dilshad Marikar1, Pratusha Babu1, Miriam Fine-Goulden2
1Paediatric Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Abstract:
The association between hyperlactataemia and poorer outcomes in acutely unwell adults and children is well recognised. Blood lactate testing has become readily available in acute settings and is considered a first-line investigation in international guidelines for the management of sepsis. However, while healthcare professionals do appreciate the value of measuring blood lactate in acute severe illness, its clinical significance and interpretation remain less well understood. In this paper, we present the evidence for the use of lactate as a diagnostic test and prognostic marker in acutely unwell children.
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