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Test Code Billings Clinic: 4070 Lactic Acid, Plasma

Important Note

This test can not be added on to a specimen that is already in the lab.  A new sample must be drawn.

Venipuncture should occur prior to N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) administration due to the potential for falsely depressed results.

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory:  Chemistry

Useful For

Diagnosing and monitoring patients with lactic acidosis

Methodology

Lactate Oxidase to Pyruvate and Hydrogen Peroxide

 

Specimen Requirements

Plasma (sodium fluoride)

  • Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of draw.
  • Draw blood in a grey-top (sodium fluoride) tube(s).
  • Place specimen on wet ice slush immediately after draw.
  • Spin down and separate plasma from cells within 15 minutes of draw.
  • Forward promptly.

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma Refrigerated (preferred) 1 day
  Frozen 1 month

 

Reject Due To

  • Gross icterus
  • Hemolysis
  • Heparinized plasma
  • Serum 
  • Specimens received at room temperature

Reference Values

0.4-2.0 mmol/L

 

Note: Intravenous injection of epinephrine, glucose, bicarbonate, or other infusions that modify the acid-base balance causes elevation of lactate not necessarily related to hypoxia.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

83605 - Lactate (lactic acid)

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Lactic Acid 14118-4