Blood Lactate Testing: Background and Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts involved in blood lactate testing, focusing on background information, methodologies, and practical considerations for accurate assessments.

Blood Lactate Testing

A process used to determine the levels of lactate in the blood, often employed in athletic and health assessments.

Lactate Threshold

The exercise intensity at which lactic acid production exceeds the body's ability to remove it.

Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA)

The point during exercise when blood lactate levels reach a specific value, often considered to be 4.0 mmol.

Anaerobic Threshold

A physiological point during exercise where the body shifts from aerobic metabolism to anaerobic metabolism, often identified through blood lactate measurements.

Sampling Frequency

The rate at which blood samples are taken during testing to determine lactate levels, critical for accurate threshold determination.

Measurement Errors

Mistakes that can occur during the lactate testing process, which can affect the accuracy of determining the lactate threshold.

Indwelling Catheter

A device used in laboratory settings for blood collection, allowing for more precise sampling of blood lactate.

Contamination of Blood Sample

Unwanted substances such as sweat, alcohol, or debris that can interfere with accurate blood lactate measurements.

Portable Analyzers

Devices used in field settings for the measurement of blood lactate, typically less expensive than laboratory devices.

Biohazard Precautions

Safety measures taken to prevent exposure to potentially infectious biological material during blood collection.