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HelpTest Code LAB4134 LACTIC ACID, VENOUS
Specimen Type
Sodium Fluoride (Gray Top Tube) on ice
Sample Stability
Room Temp: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 38 days
Stability claims are for plasma that has been removed from the cells.
Specimen Processing
Spin ASAP
Plasma must be removed from the cells if testing will be delayed.
Add-on stability is 8 hours if plasma is separated but not removed from the cells.
Specimen Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Turnaround Time
STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 1 hour
Test Schedule
Daily
Method
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Reference Ranges
LACTIC ACID, VENOUS
| 0 to 90 Days | 1.1 - 3.5 mmol/L |
| 3 Months to 24 Months | 1.0 - 3.3 mmol/L |
| 2 Years to 18 Years | 1.0 - 2.4 mmol/L |
| > 18 years | 0.5-2.0 mmol/L |
Synonyms
L-Lactate, Venous; Lactate, Venous
CPT Codes
83605
Test Components
Lactic Acid, Venous, mmol/L.
Collection Instructions
Avoid the use of stasis (tourniquet) or having the patient pump their fist while drawing blood specimen. Store and transport on ice.
Rejection Criteria
Samples not placed on ice immediately after collection.
Test Limitations
Values may elevate 20-50% after meals.
Clinical Information
Lactic acid (lactate) is a byproduct of glucose metabolism. The intermediary step in this pathway is the conversion of pyruvate to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase. Lactate is generated in red blood cells, muscle, the brain, and the gut. Normally, there is a small amount of lactate in the blood.
Type A lactic acidosis is caused by hypoperfusion of tissues resulting from cardiovascular failure, sepsis, trauma, and profound anemia. Type B lactic acidosis is due to overproduction of lactate or inadequate oxygen utilization and is associated with malignancies, diabetes, severe infection, and several drugs.
The two isomers of lactic acid are L-isomer and D-isomer. The L-isomer is generally measured in clinical practice, while the D-isomer is produced by bacterial metabolism and can also result in clinical disease. Most clinical laboratory analyzers do not measure D-lactate.