What happens during a lactic acid test?A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein or an artery. To take a sample from a vein, the health care professional will insert a small needle into your arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. Make sure you don't clench your fist during the test, as this can temporarily raise lactic acid levels.Blood from an artery has more oxygen than blood from a vein, so your health care provider may recommend this type of blood test. The sample is usually taken from an artery inside the wrist. During the procedure, your provider will insert a needle with a syringe into the artery. You may feel a sharp pain as the needle goes into the artery. Once the syringe is filled with blood, your provider will put a bandage over the puncture site. After the procedure, you or a provider will need to apply firm pressure to the site for 5–10 minutes, or even longer if you are taking a blood-thinning medicine.If meningitis is suspected, your provider may order a test called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture to get a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid.
