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Test Code LACT Lactate, Plasma

Additional Codes

LAB95

Performing Laboratory

Central Peninsula Hospital

Important Notes

Grey Top sample is not required to be collected on ice, however sample must be received by lab within 15 minutes of collection. Sodium Heparin Dark Green Top must be submitted on ice and received within 15 minutes of collection.

Collection Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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

Venipuncture

Container

Grey Top / Sodium Fluoride Potassium Oxalate

Specimen Type

Preferred

  • Grey (Sodium Flouride/Potassium Oxalate)

 

Acceptable

  • Dark Green (Sodium Heparin) - this sample type must be submitted on ice

Minimum Volume

1ml

Specimen Stability

Ambient 8 hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) 2 weeks
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) N/A

Reference or Target Ranges

Age Male Female
< 2 years Reference Range Not Established Reference Range Not Established
> 2 years 0.5 - 2 0.5 - 2

 

Comment on all reports:
If sepsis is suspected, repeat lactic acid testing should occur within 4 hours.

Reportable Units

mmol/L

Critical Value

> 2 mmol/L

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold 1000 mg/dL
Icterus Threshold

28 mg/dL conjugated 

60 mg/dL unconjugated
Lipemia Threshold 1500 mg/dL
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

Performance Information

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

CPT Codes

83605

Last review/edit date

2025