Assessment of blood lactate measurement accuracy in athletes using three portable analyzers
https://doi.org/10.47529/2223-2524.2026.1.7
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate the accuracy of blood lactate concentration measurements using three portable analyzers compared to a stationary reference instrument.
Materials and methods. Capillary blood samples were collected from highly qualified athletes during staged comprehensive examinations under laboratory conditions. Blood lactate concentrations at rest and following incremental exercise tests on a ski ergometer, cycle ergometer or treadmill were determined using three portable lactate analyzers (Lactate Plus, YST and Eaglenos) and a semi-automatic photometric analyzer (BTS-350).
Results. The limits of agreement for lactate measurements by the Lactate Plus, YST and Eaglenos analyzers compared to the reference instrument exceeded the acceptable interval set at ±2.1 mmol/L. All portable lactometers systematically underestimated lactate concentrations by 2.0–4.0 mmol/L relative to the reference analyzer, which critically distorts the assessment of exercise intensity. Standard errors of estimate of lactate concentration measurements across the entire range were 0.95, 0.63 and 0.91 mmol/L for Lactate Plus, YST and Eaglenos, respectively, and increased with rising blood lactate concentration.
Conclusion. The portable lactometers examined cannot be recommended for accurate blood lactate measurement in athletes under field or laboratory conditions.
About the Authors
M. A. Dikunets
Federal Science Center of Physical Culture and Sport (VNIIFK)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Marina A. Dikunets, Cand. Sci. (Chem.), Leading Researcher, Biochemistry Laboratory
10, bldg. 1 Elizavetinsky Lane, Moscow, 105005
G. A. Dudko
Federal Science Center of Physical Culture and Sport (VNIIFK)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Grigory A. Dudko, Senior Researcher, Biochemistry Laboratory
10, bldg. 1 Elizavetinsky Lane, Moscow, 105005
A. A. Arkhipkin
LLC Scientific Center EFIS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexander A. Arkhipkin, Cand. Sci. (Bio.), Head of Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory
16–18, Sadovaya-Chernogryazskaya, Moscow, 1050662
A. S. Kryuchkov
Federal Science Center of Physical Culture and Sport (VNIIFK)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Andrey S. Kryuchkov, Cand. Sci. (Pedagogy), Head of National Sports Center
10, bldg. 1 Elizavetinsky Lane, Moscow, 105005
A. G. Abalyan
Federal Science Center of Physical Culture and Sport (VNIIFK)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Avak G. Abalyan, Dr. Sci. (Pedagogy), Associate Professor, Director General
10, bldg. 1 Elizavetinsky Lane, Moscow, 105005
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Review
For citations:
Dikunets M.A., Dudko G.A., Arkhipkin A.A., Kryuchkov A.S., Abalyan A.G. Assessment of blood lactate measurement accuracy in athletes using three portable analyzers. Sports medicine: research and practice. 2026;16(1):12-23. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.47529/2223-2524.2026.1.7
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