Test Code LA Lactic Acid (Venous)
EHR Test Codes
| Test Code | Test Name | |
| Atlas | LA | Lactic Acid |
| Cerner | PLAC | Lactic Acid (Venous) |
Specimen Requirements
Preparation of Patient:
Fasting and at complete rest is preferred but not required.
Container Type:
5.5mL Grey Top Tube FX Sodium Floride/Potassium Oxalate
Specimen Type:
Plasma
Specimen Volume:
2.5 mL Plasma minimum .5 mL
Specimen Handling/Transport:
Separate plasma from cells within 1 hour of collection.
If testing is delayed more than 3 hours, aliquote plasma into transfer tube.
Transport ambient room temperature. If testing is delayed >1 hour transport aliquoted plasma refrigerated 2 - 8oC.
Specimen Stability/Storage:
1 hour whole blood ambient room temperature
3 hours ambient room temperature non aliquoted plasma
8 hours ambient room temperature aliquoted plasma
5 days refrigerated 2 - 8oC aliquoted plasma
Specimen Rejection:
Stability requirements not met
Performing Laboratory
Munson Healthcare Laboratories
Chemistry Department
Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround
Priority:
STAT, ASAP, Non-Emergent
Frequency:
24 hours 7 days a week
Turnaround:
0 - 1 days
STAT 45 minute from receipt in lab
Methodology
Lactate Oxidase
Reporting
Reference Range:
0.9 - 1.7 mmol/L
Critical Decision:
≥4.0 mmol/L
Note: Critical values are called to the provider and communicated as critical. Documentation of the call is recorded in the patient record.
Clinical Significance
Concentrations of lactic acid in plasma has clinical significance in cases of shock, hepatic disease, neoplasms, diabetic ketoacidosis and certain enzyme deficiencies. They are also seen in the spinal fluid of: cerebrovascular accidents, intracranial hemorrhage, bacterial meningitis, epilepsy and other CNS disorders.
CPT Code(s)
83605