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Lactic acid test for athletes experiencing muscle fatigue and shortness of breath

Blood Test for Muscle Fatigue and Shortness of Breath

Lactic Acid, Plasma

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of muscle fatigue
  • Reveal hidden issues affecting your energy
  • Clarify why you feel short of breath
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained muscle fatigue, shortness of breath during activity, or muscle cramps that seem unusual. It helps identify whether your muscles are producing too much lactic acid, which can happen when your body isn't getting enough oxygen during exercise or due to underlying health issues. Athletes, people with breathing problems, or those with persistent muscle weakness often use this test to understand what's affecting their energy and performance.

How should I prepare for this test?

Since specific preparation instructions aren't provided for this test, it's generally recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for several hours before your blood draw, as physical activity can significantly raise lactic acid levels. Follow any instructions from your healthcare provider, and inform them about any medications you're taking. Arrive well-hydrated and at rest to ensure the most accurate baseline measurement.

What's included in this test?

Lactic Acid, Plasma

This test measures Lactic Acid in your plasma. Lactic acid is produced when your muscles break down glucose without enough oxygen, which commonly happens during intense exercise or when your body is under metabolic stress. Elevated levels can indicate poor oxygen delivery to tissues, problems with energy metabolism, or issues with how your liver processes lactate, helping pinpoint why you're experiencing fatigue or breathing difficulties.

What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your lactic acid level means for your muscle function, energy production, and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like adjusting your exercise intensity, improving breathing techniques, or whether you should investigate underlying metabolic or circulatory issues. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your lactic acid levels over time using our trends feature to see how training adjustments or treatments are working.
When will I get my results?
Most lactic acid test results are typically available within 1-3 business days after your sample reaches the lab. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view in your secure online account. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on lab volume and your specific testing location.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is valuable for athletes experiencing unusual fatigue or poor performance, people with chronic breathing problems or heart conditions, and individuals with unexplained muscle weakness or cramping. It's also helpful for those with suspected metabolic disorders, liver disease, or anyone whose doctor wants to investigate tissue oxygen levels. If you're constantly short of breath during activities that used to feel easy, this test can provide important answers.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common signs include feeling unusually tired or weak during exercise, experiencing shortness of breath with minimal activity, or having persistent muscle cramps and aches. You might notice that your muscles burn or feel heavy more quickly than they should, or you feel lightheaded during physical activity. Some people also experience rapid breathing, confusion, or nausea during exertion, all of which can be related to elevated lactic acid.
How can I naturally support healthy lactic acid levels?
Improving your cardiovascular fitness through gradual, consistent aerobic exercise helps your body use oxygen more efficiently and clear lactic acid faster. Staying well-hydrated, getting adequate B vitamins (especially B1), and ensuring proper breathing techniques during exercise can all help. Warming up properly before intense activity and cooling down afterward gives your body time to clear lactate naturally.
What is lactic acid and why does it matter?
Lactic acid is a natural byproduct your muscles produce when they break down glucose for energy without enough oxygen, which typically happens during intense exercise. While some buildup is normal during workouts, persistently high levels at rest or with minimal activity can indicate your tissues aren't getting enough oxygen due to heart, lung, or circulatory problems. It can also signal metabolic issues or liver dysfunction, making it an important marker for overall health and fitness.
What does high lactic acid mean?
High lactic acid levels can indicate that your tissues aren't receiving adequate oxygen, which may be due to heart or lung problems, poor circulation, or severe infections. It can also suggest metabolic disorders, liver disease, or mitochondrial dysfunction affecting how your body produces energy. In athletes, elevated levels might point to overtraining or inadequate recovery, while sudden spikes can indicate serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
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US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Lactic Acid, Plasma 2.8 mmol/L
Demo results
Low Optimal 0.5 - 2.0 High
2.8 mmol/L

What this means

Your lactic acid level is elevated above the optimal range. This may indicate that your muscles are producing more lactate than your body can clear efficiently, which can happen during intense exercise, inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, or metabolic stress. While mild elevations can be normal after physical activity, persistently high levels warrant further investigation.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
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Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Blood Test for Muscle Fatigue and Shortness of Breath

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of muscle fatigue
  • Reveal hidden issues affecting your energy
  • Clarify why you feel short of breath

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.