What happens at a lactate test?

At a glance
What happens at the appointment?
  1. Prepare with your tester
  2. Exercise in stages
  3. Talk through the report

An overview of the appointment. Follow your provider’s instructions.

A lab test looks at how blood lactate changes as you exercise. The provider should explain the method, check whether the test is suitable for you, and tell you how to prepare.

Before the appointment

  • Tell the provider your sport, goals and any relevant health concerns.
  • Ask what exercise you will do and how hard the test may become.
  • Follow their instructions for food, drinks, rest and equipment.
  • Ask what the fee includes and whether someone will explain the report.

During the test

You may run on a treadmill or ride a bike while the workload changes in stages. Small blood samples are taken at points during the test. The exact stages and stopping rules belong to the provider’s protocol.

This is an explanation of an appointment, not instructions for carrying out a test yourself.

Before you leave

  1. Ask for the report, units and the zone system used.
  2. Check whether the values apply to running or cycling.
  3. Ask how to use the results and when a further test might be useful.

Use your results in training · What is lactate threshold?