Question 1

What is Shock?

Accepted Answer

Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues. It is caused by severe blood loss, heart failure, severe infections (sepsis), allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), or fluid loss that leads to dangerously low blood pressure and tissue hypoxia. The Lactic Acid Plasma test is the most important test for assessing shock severity because it measures how well tissues are receiving oxygen.

Question 2

What causes shock?

Accepted Answer

Shock is caused by severe disruptions in blood circulation that prevent adequate oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues. The primary causes include massive blood loss from trauma or internal bleeding, severe infections (sepsis) that trigger widespread inflammation and blood vessel dilation, heart failure that prevents the heart from pumping effectively, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) that cause sudden blood pressure drops, and severe dehydration or fluid loss. When blood flow decreases dramatically, cells switch to oxygen-poor metabolism, producing excess lactic acid and leading to potential organ damage or failure.

Question 3

What is the best test for shock?

Accepted Answer

The Lactic Acid Plasma test is the most important blood test for assessing shock severity because it directly measures how well your tissues are receiving oxygen. When blood flow and oxygen delivery drop during shock, your cells produce excess lactic acid as they switch to low-oxygen metabolism. Rising lactic acid levels indicate worsening tissue oxygen deprivation and more severe shock, while decreasing levels during treatment show that oxygen delivery is improving. This test helps doctors understand how severe the shock is and whether treatment is working effectively to restore blood flow and oxygen to your organs.

Question 4

When should I get tested for shock?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested immediately if you experience symptoms of shock, which is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital care. Warning signs include sudden severe weakness or confusion, rapid heartbeat with weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, cold clammy skin, severe paleness or blue-tinged lips, significantly decreased urine output, or loss of consciousness. Lactic acid testing is typically performed in emergency or hospital settings to assess shock severity and monitor your response to treatment. If you have any combination of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately rather than seeking routine blood testing.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of shock?

Accepted Answer

Shock symptoms include rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure, rapid shallow breathing, cold clammy pale skin, profuse sweating, confusion or altered mental status, severe weakness or fatigue, anxiety or restlessness, decreased urine output, blue-tinged lips or fingernails, chest pain, and loss of consciousness in severe cases. Early shock may cause mild lightheadedness and increased heart rate, while advanced shock leads to multiple organ dysfunction. The specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of shock, but all forms involve inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Question 6

Who is at risk for shock?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for shock include trauma victims with severe bleeding, those with serious infections or sepsis, individuals with severe allergic reactions to medications or foods, people with heart attack or heart failure, those experiencing severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, patients with major burns, individuals taking certain medications that affect blood pressure, elderly people with weakened cardiovascular systems, pregnant women with complications like ectopic pregnancy, and people with underlying conditions like diabetes or immune system disorders. Anyone experiencing severe injury, illness, or allergic reaction can potentially develop shock.

Question 7

What happens if shock is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated shock progresses rapidly and causes irreversible organ damage and death. Without immediate treatment, inadequate oxygen delivery leads to kidney failure, liver damage, brain injury, heart damage, respiratory failure, and ultimately multiple organ system failure. Cells throughout the body begin dying when deprived of oxygen, and toxic metabolic byproducts accumulate in the bloodstream. Even if treated later, prolonged shock can cause permanent organ damage, long-term disability, increased infection risk, and significantly reduced survival rates. Shock is a true medical emergency where every minute without treatment increases the risk of death, making immediate professional medical intervention absolutely critical for survival.

Question 8

Can shock be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Shock cannot be diagnosed by blood tests alone but is primarily identified through clinical assessment of symptoms like dangerously low blood pressure, rapid pulse, altered consciousness, and poor tissue perfusion. However, blood testing plays a crucial role in confirming shock severity and guiding treatment. The Lactic Acid Plasma test is particularly valuable because elevated levels confirm that tissues are not receiving adequate oxygen. Additional blood tests assess organ function, electrolyte imbalances, blood counts, and kidney and liver damage. These laboratory results help doctors understand how severely shock is affecting your body and monitor whether treatment is successfully restoring normal circulation and oxygen delivery.

Question 9

How is shock treated?

Accepted Answer

Shock requires immediate emergency treatment in a hospital setting focused on restoring blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Treatment includes rapid intravenous fluid administration to increase blood volume and pressure, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to improve oxygen levels, medications to support blood pressure and heart function, blood transfusions for hemorrhagic shock, antibiotics for septic shock, epinephrine for anaphylactic shock, and surgery to stop bleeding or repair injuries. Doctors continuously monitor vital signs, lactic acid levels, and organ function while addressing the underlying cause. Treatment must begin within minutes to prevent irreversible organ damage and death.

Question 10

How can I prevent shock?

Accepted Answer

Preventing shock involves managing underlying health conditions and seeking prompt treatment for serious injuries or illnesses. Take prescribed medications as directed for heart conditions and diabetes, avoid known allergens if you have severe allergies and carry an epinephrine auto-injector, practice good infection prevention through handwashing and wound care, stay properly hydrated especially during illness or heat exposure, seek immediate medical attention for severe injuries with significant bleeding, manage chronic conditions that weaken the cardiovascular system, wear protective equipment during high-risk activities, and recognize early warning signs of serious illness like severe infections. If you have conditions that increase shock risk, work with your doctor to develop an emergency action plan.

Question 11

What can I do at home for shock?

Accepted Answer

You cannot treat shock at home because it is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate professional hospital care. If someone shows signs of shock, call 911 immediately, lay the person down and elevate their legs about 12 inches unless there is head, neck, or back injury, keep them warm with blankets, do not give anything to eat or drink, turn them on their side if vomiting, perform CPR if they stop breathing or have no pulse, and stay with them until emergency responders arrive. Never attempt home treatment or delay emergency care. The only appropriate home action is recognizing shock symptoms quickly and getting immediate professional medical help, as survival depends on rapid hospital intervention with intravenous fluids, medications, and advanced life support.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Shock Blood Test and Monitoring

What is Shock?

What causes shock?

What is the best test for shock?

When should I get tested for shock?

References

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