Measurement of capillary lactate levels in intensive care: progress and prospects

Abstract

Capillary lactate micromethod assay brings up options about pre- and intra-hospital patient grading, goal-directed resuscitation, and vascular monitoring. Lactate is no longer considered as a metabolic waste only but it is recognized as an energetic substrate. The main advantage of capillary lactate assay in patient grading is the possibility to obtain a not delayed, non-invasive, bedside result, which represents a critical improvement when compared to conventional arterial assay. Capillary lactate assay is also relevant in goal-directed resuscitation protocols based on the lactate clearance concept. Compartmental lactate measurement in ischemic limbs is also a promising direction in the evaluation of the outcome after surgical revascularization.