What is it used for?A lactic acid test is most often used to diagnose lactic acidosis. The test may also be used to:Help find out if enough oxygen is reaching the body's tissuesHelp diagnose sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to a bacterial infectionIf meningitis is suspected, the test may also be used to help find out if it is caused by bacteria or a virus. Meningitis is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord. A test for lactate in cerebrospinal fluid is used with a lactic acid blood test to figure out the type of infection.
