Roche New Zealand

The Difference between exercise & training 

  

Frequently Asked Questions

 Q1.   What is lactate?

Blood lactate is produced as a side reaction of Glycolysis, a metabolic process that breaks down carbohydrates and sugars through a series of reactions and releases energy for the body.  Lactic acid is one of the by-products of anaerobic metabolism.

It does not increase in concentration in the blood until the rate of lactate production exceeds the rate of lactate removal.

 Q2.   Why measure my lactate levels?

It is a valuable measure for prescription of training intensity.  You can adapt your training to increase power and endurance.

Lactate concentration at various exercise intensities is highly predictive of endurance making its measurement valuable for evaluating future performance.

  

                              

             









 Q3.  What is the normal level of lactate?

The concentration of blood lactate is usually 1–1.8 mmol/L at rest, but can rise to over 20 mmol/L during intense exertion. 

 Q4.   How do I assess my lactate curve?

You can do this by doing an incremental exercise test.  This is where you do a series of lactate tests starting from your baseline at rest and then increasing the exercise intensity in stages from resting> warm-up> easy> moderate> solid> hard> very hard.  You spend 5 min at each stage and test your lactate at the end of the 5 min before proceeding to the next stage.

 Q5.   What else do I need to assess by lactate curve in
         addition to my Accutrend Plus Lactate Kit?

-  A buddy to do the testing
-  Gloves for your buddy (available from your local pharmacy or supermarket)
-  A Heart Rate Monitor
-  Skin cleansing swab e.g. alcohol swabs available from your local pharmacy
-  Tissues
-  Small plasters

 Q6.   How much does it cost?

         $667.00 including GST.

 Q7.   What do I get for that?

       Backsack containing -
       
      -  Accutrend Plus Lactate meter & Carry Case
      -  Accutrend Lactate Test Strips (25)
      -  Safe-T-Pro Plus lancing devices (25)
      -  Accutrend Lactate Control (1 vial)
      -  Testing Quick Reference Guide

 Q8.   How many test strips will I use when I do my lactate curve?

        Up to 7 per person.

 Q9.   Anything I need to do to prepare for the exercise tolerance test?

-  Do not eat a substantial meal in the 5hrs before the test
-  Abstain from alcohol for 24hr before the test.
-  Get a good nights sleep
-  Abstain from coffee, tea, or other caffeine in the last hour before the test
-  Do not train or do heavy physical work on the day of the test
-  Always test in a constant temperature and air humidity
-  Do not perform the test when ill or feverish
-  Always perform the test under the same circumstances and at the same time of day.

 Q10. How often should I test my curve?

To track and adapt your training regular testing e.g. monthly is recommended.

 Q11. Why do I need to test the Accutrend Lactate Control?

To ensure that the instrument is functioning properly, you should regularly use control solution for a control check.

Make a habit of carrying out a control check in the following situations:
-  When you open a new test strip container.
-  After replacing the batteries.
-  After cleaning the instrument.
-  When you doubt that the measured values are correct.

A control check is performed in the same way as a regular measurement with the difference that control solutions are used instead of blood.