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Test Code LA Lactate

Aliases

Lactic Acid

Patient Preparation

Lactate levels increase rapidly with exercise. Time required to return to normal lactate values depends on the physical fitness of the subject. 30 minutes at rest is usually sufficient.

Special Collection Instructions

  • Blood should be drawn from a stasis-free vein (minimal hemostasis <30 seconds will not impact levels).
  • Avoid tourniquet use if possible. Deliver to lab immediately.
  • Centrifuge within 15 minutes of collection. If testing or transport delays longer than 15 minutes occur, separate plasma from cells and store according to specimen stability.

Collection Method

Venous collection

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Container

Grey Top / Sodium Fluoride Potassium Oxalate

Preferred Specimen

Grey (Sodium Flouride/Potassium Oxalate)

Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (Light Green) (on ice) 

Sodium Heparin Plasma (Dark Green) (on ice) 

Reference or Target Ranges

Plasma 0.50 - 2.20
CSF 0.9 - 2.7

 

Reportable Units

mmol/L

Critical Value

Plasma: >4.0 mmol/L

Reasons for Rejection

 

Hemolysis Threshold 250mg/dL
Icterus Threshold 2 mg/dL
Lipemia Threshold 1000 mL
Other Not received within 15 minutes of collection or not centrifuged and removed from red cells within 15 minutes, QNS, contaminated, improperly Labeled, improper specimen type

Specimen Stability

 

Ambient 8 hours (spun and off red cells)
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) 14 days (spun and off red cells)
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) Not listed

Performance Information

 

Days and Time Performed 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time Stat: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Stat Availability Yes
Performing Bench UH Chemistry
Methodology/Method Description

Siemens Atellica - Colorimetric Assay

Additional Information/Important Notes

Green top specimens must be collected on ice. Samples must be received by lab within 30 minutes of collection.

CPT Codes

83605