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LACTIC ACID
Test CodeLAC
Alias/See Also
Lactate
CPT Codes
83605
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL plasma collected in a Grey (NaF KOxl)
Patient Preparation
Blood samples should be drawn from a stasis-free vein. However, minimal hemostasis (less than 30 seconds) will not affect lactate levels. Avoid the use of a tourniquet, if possible.
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma- Na-fluoride/Na-heparin
Sterile container only for CSF
Sterile container only for CSF
Instructions
Place the speimen on ice and then centrifuge and separate from the cells within 15 minutes of collecting the specimen.
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: Plasma separated 8 hours at 15-25°C
CSF 3 hours at 15-25°C
Refrigerated: Plasma (Separated) 14 days at 2-8°C
CSF 24 hours at 2-8°C
Frozen: Plasma (Separated) 38 days at -20°C
CSF 2 months at -20°C
CSF 3 hours at 15-25°C
Refrigerated: Plasma (Separated) 14 days at 2-8°C
CSF 24 hours at 2-8°C
Frozen: Plasma (Separated) 38 days at -20°C
CSF 2 months at -20°C
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Samples not labeled with complete first, last name and date of birth.
Gross Hemolysis, Lipemia or icterus are unacceptable.
Gross Hemolysis, Lipemia or icterus are unacceptable.
Methodology
Colorimetric
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
Plasma: 0.5 - 2.2 mmol/L
CSF, neonatal: 1.1 - 6.7 mmol/L
CSF, 3-10 days old: 1.1 - 4.4 mmol/L
CSF, > 10 days old: 1.1 - 2.8 mmol/L
CSF, adult: 1.1 - 2.4 mmol/L
Critical Values:
Plasma: ≥ 4 mmol/L
CSF, neonatal: 1.1 - 6.7 mmol/L
CSF, 3-10 days old: 1.1 - 4.4 mmol/L
CSF, > 10 days old: 1.1 - 2.8 mmol/L
CSF, adult: 1.1 - 2.4 mmol/L
Critical Values:
Plasma: ≥ 4 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Anaerobic glycolysis markedly increases blood lactate and causes some increase in pyruvate levels, especially with prolonged exercise. The common cause for increased blood lactate and pyruvate is anoxia resulting from such conditions as shock, pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Lactic acidosis may also occur in renal failure and leukemia. Thiamine deficiency and diabetic ketoacidosis are associated with increased levels of lactate and pyruvate.
Lactate levels in cerebrospinal fluid are increased in bacterial meningitis. Increased CSF levels also occur in hypocapnia, hydrocephalus, brain abscesses, cerebral ischemia and any clinical condition associated with reduced oxygenation of the brain and/or increased intracranial pressure.
Lactate measurements that evaluate the acid-base status are used in the diagnosis and treatment of lactic acidosis (abnormally high acidity in the blood).
Lactate levels in cerebrospinal fluid are increased in bacterial meningitis. Increased CSF levels also occur in hypocapnia, hydrocephalus, brain abscesses, cerebral ischemia and any clinical condition associated with reduced oxygenation of the brain and/or increased intracranial pressure.
Lactate measurements that evaluate the acid-base status are used in the diagnosis and treatment of lactic acidosis (abnormally high acidity in the blood).
Performing Laboratory
Frderick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD. 21701
Last Updated: December 12, 2019
