Diagnosing and monitoring patients with lactic acidosis
Colorimetric
L-Lactate, Blood
Lactate (L-Lactate)
Lactate, Blood
Lactic Acid (L-lactate)
Plasma NaFl-KOx
This test does not measure D-lactate, an uncommon, often undiagnosed cause of lactic acidosis. If D-lactate testing is needed, order DLAC / D-Lactate, Plasma.
Patient's age and sex are required.
Collection Container/Tube: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collection must be at least 1 mL in a 2-mL collection tube or at least 2 mL in a 4-mL collection tube.
2. Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into plastic vial.
0.25 mL
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma NaFl-KOx | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
Ambient | 8 hours |
Diagnosing and monitoring patients with lactic acidosis
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 kidney failure and leukemia. Thiamine deficiency and diabetic ketoacidosis are associated with increased levels of lactate and pyruvate.
Lactate measurements that evaluate the acid-base status are used in the diagnosis and treatment of lactic acidosis (abnormally high acidity in the blood).
0-90 days (<3 months): 0.0-3.3 mmol/L
3-24 months: 0.0-3.1 mmol/L
>24 months-18 years: 0.0-2.2 mmol/L
>18 years: 0.5-2.2 mmol/L
While no definitive concentration of lactate has been established for the diagnosis of lactic acidosis, lactate concentrations exceeding 5 mmol/L and pH below 7.25 are generally considered indicative of significant lactic acidosis.
Proper specimen collection and processing techniques are critical for reliable results.
1. Mizock BA. The hepatosplanchnic area and hyperlactatemia: A tale of two lactates. Crit Care Med. 2001;29(2):447-449. doi:10.1097/00003246-200102000-00047
2. Duke T: Dysoxia and lactate. Arch Dis Child. Oct;81(4):343-350. doi:10.1136/adc.81.4.343
3. Sacks D: Carbohydrates. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:518-538
Lactate concentration is determined using an enzymatic colorimetric method. L-lactate is oxidized to pyruvate by the specific enzyme lactate oxidase. Peroxidase is used to generate a colored dye using the hydrogen peroxide generated in the first reaction. The intensity of the color formed is directly proportional to the L-lactate concentration. It is determined by measuring the increase in absorbance.(Package insert: Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis IN, 02/2016)
Monday through Sunday
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
83605
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
LACS1 | Lactate, P | 2524-7 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
LACS1 | Lactate, P | 2524-7 |
Change Type | Effective Date |
---|---|
Test Changes - Reference Value | 2023-09-25 |