Health Lab

Test Name:

LACTIC ACID

Test Code:

2120803

Alias:

LAB3010
Lactate

CPT Code(s):

83605

Preferred Specimen:

1.0 mL plasma

Container:

Sodium Fluoride (gray)

Minimum Volume:

0.4 mL plasma
This volume does not allow for repeat testing.

Collection Instructions:

Avoid hand-clenching and avoid use of a tourniquet. After specimen collection, mix well by gentle inversion at least six times. Primary tubes must be put on ice immediately after collection and sent to the laboratory.

For offsite draws, centrifuge and transfer plasma into a properly labeled transfer tube within 15 minutes of collection. Send specimen ASAP to HealthLab.

Transport Temperature:

Refrigerated

Stability:

Room Temperature: 8 hours (separated plasma)

Refrigerated: 14 days (separated plasma)

NOTE: Unspun primary tubes must be put on ice and sent to the laboratory and spun within 15 minutes of collection.

Limitations:

In very rare cases gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenström's macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.

Additional Information:

Testing performed Stat

Schedule:

Set up; Daily; Results in 24 hours

Method:

Colorimetric Assay

Clinical Significance:

Measurements of lactic acid are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of lactic acidosis (abnormally high acidity of the blood). In one type, there is poor tissue oxygenation, and in the other type, there is no clear evidence of tissue hypoxia. Conditions associated with poor tissue oxygenation include congestive heart failure, septic shock and severe anemia. Conditions associated with the other type include diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and liver disease; usually do not show evidence of tissue hypoxia.

Critical Values:

>4.0 mmol/L

Use:

Updated: 02/22/22

Reference Range Table

Result	Units	Gender	Age	Range
Lactic Acid	mmol/L	Both	0 Year - 999 Year	0.5-2.0

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.