Handheld lactate analysers have been adapted to the new times, and apart from considerably reducing their volume, the characteristics and benefits of these devices are improving. Nowadays, most portable lactate analysers are automatically calibrated when the test strip is inserted, they have a wider results memory than the old analysers and the analysis process has been simplified by using a test strip to collect the blood sample.

Along with these changes, it should be noted that the sample volume needed to perform a lactate measurement has decreased considerably, which means that with a smaller drop of blood is enough to get a sufficient amount to perform in analysis. This brings with it a decrease in discomfort at the time of sampling, among others.

However, the decrease in the volume of sample needed leads to a greater risk of contamination of the blood, either by water, alcohol, sweat etc. Any contamination of the blood, however small, can have a great impact on the result of the measurements, so it is very important to perform the sample taking correctly.