Each hour of delay in detecting abnormal lactates in patients with sepsis increases the odds of in-hospital death

(Elsevier) Because of a known association between elevated lactate levels and increased mortality, sepsis guidelines mandate that lactate levels should be tested soon after the onset of sepsis. A new study in the journal CHEST® found that a significant proportion of patients with suspected sepsis do not have their lactates measured within the recommended timeframe. These patients experienced delayed antibiotic therapy and IV fluid administration, as well as increased risk of in-hospital death.