LACTIC ACID

Test Code

LA (OE), LACT (LAB)

Alias/See Also

Lactate

CPT Codes
83605

Preferred Specimen

Gray Tube (Sodium Fluoride)

Patient Preparation
Generally a tourniquet should not be used when performing venipuncture. Tourniquet use and release as well as clenching of the fist can increase lactic acid (lactate) levels in the blood sample. The patient should be at rest before taking the sample. In particular, movement of the hand or arm should be avoided.

Place specimen on ice, DO NOT FREEZE plasma.

Minimum Volume

1 mL (2 mL optimal)

Other Acceptable Specimens

None

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma from red cell ASAP.

Transport Container

GRAY Tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

15-30°C up to 8 hours

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Wrong specimen tube

Methodology
Lactate to pyruvate

Setup Schedule

DAILY, as received

Report Available

STAT: <60 minutes
Routine: <4 hours

Reference Range

Male/Female All Ages: Normal Range: 0.5-2.2 mmol/L
Reference ranges may vary based on performing lab. Use lab reports when interpreting patient results.

Clinical Significance

Check for lactic acidosis such as in heart failure, severe infection (sepsis), or shock.

Performing Laboratory
Mount Sinai Hospital
Holy Cross Hospital

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.