Skip to main content

Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

  or
  or
  or

LACTATE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2581    Geisinger Epic ID:  14364

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Plasma


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL of plasma; minimum 0.5 mL.


Special notes: 

Draw without patient clenching fist. Specimen should be centrifuged as soon as possible for best result. See specimen stability for other details.


Patient preparation: 

Do not clench fist.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge to separate plasma within 2 hours of collection.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

Unspun Specimen: Room temperature or on ice: 8 hours. 
Aliquoted Plasma: Room temperature: 8 hours. Refrigerated: 14 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded. Incorrect collection tube.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

0.4-2.0 mmol/L.


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Above 4 mmol/L.
CPT code(s):  83605
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Lactic acid level.


Methodology: 
Spectrophotometric (Colorimetric)
Synonyms: 

Lactic acid, LAC


Clinical significance: 

The common cause for increased blood lactate is anoxia resulting from such conditions as shock, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure. Lactic acidosis may also occur in renal failure and leukemia. Increased lactate may also be an early indicator of bacterial sepsis.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/27/2024

Performing Locations