Recommendation ID
NG39/2
Question

Lactate level for monitoring severity of shock:- Is lactate monitoring in patients with major trauma clinically and cost effective?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- In current practice, treatment for hypovolaemic shock is guided by the patient's haemodynamic levels, including heart rate and blood pressure. However, haemodynamic levels such as blood pressure tend to change late and correct early, so may not accurately indicate continuing shock. Research has found a strong correlation between lactate levels and the presence of shock. Lactate level may therefore be a more responsive indicator of shock that could be used to guide treatment.


Source guidance details

Comes from guidance
Major trauma: assessment and initial management
Number
NG39
Date issued
February 2016

Other details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research? No  
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?   No  
Last Reviewed 29/02/2016