Lactate measurement in pre-hospital care: a review of the literature

Graham McClelland*, Paul Younger, Sonia Byers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Background:
Lactate has been identified as a useful marker of shock. Lactate can be measured in the pre-hospital environment rapidly and accurately.
Method:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using a targeted search strategy. Additional literature was located through reference list searching and prior awareness by the authors. This identified a number of papers which were appraised for relevance. This appraisal identified 29 papers which were included in the review.
Conclusion:
Lactate has been shown to be measurable in the pre-hospital environment and to be prognostic of mortality. Lactate measurement needs to be linked to specific treatment algorithms with improved outcomes for patients in order to justify inclusion in pre-hospital practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)329-334
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Paramedic Practice
Volume4
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • lactate
  • paramedic
  • pre-hospital
  • sepsis
  • shock

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