Test Code LACS1 Lactate, Plasma
Ordering Guidance
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.
Necessary Information
Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.625 mL Plasma
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw at least 1 mL whole blood in a 2-mL collection tube or at least 2 mL whole blood in a 4-mL collection tube.
2. Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.
Useful For
Diagnosing and monitoring patients with lactic acidosis
Screening high-risk patients for sepsis or septic shock
Method Name
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Reporting Name
Lactate, PSpecimen Type
Plasma NaFl-KOxSpecimen Minimum Volume
Plasma: 0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma NaFl-KOx | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Ambient | 8 hours |
Reference Values
0-2 months: ≤3.3 mmol/L
3-24 months: ≤3.1 mmol/L
25 months-17 years: ≤2.2 mmol/L
> or 18 years: 0.5-2.0 mmol/L*
*Further information regarding the adult clinical action limit is available:
Townsend SR, Phillips GS, Duseja R, et al. Effects of compliance with the early management bundle (SEP-1) on mortality changes among medicare beneficiaries with sepsis: A propensity score matched cohort study. Chest. 2022;161(2):392-406. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.2167
Interpretation
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.
Elevated lactate (above laboratory reference interval or above 2.0 mmol/L in the absence of hypovolemia) in the context of sepsis evaluation in the hospital may warrant additional investigation to determine if sepsis or septic shock is present or developing.
Adult clinical action limit: Concentration greater than 2.0 mmol/L will flag as abnormal.(1)
Clinical Reference
1. Townsend SR, Phillips GS, Duseja R, et al. Effects of compliance with the early management bundle (SEP-1) on mortality changes among medicare beneficiaries with sepsis: A propensity score matched cohort study. Chest. 2022;161(2):392-406. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.2167
2. 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
3. Duke T: Dysoxia and lactate. Arch Dis Child. 1999;81(4):343-350. doi:10.1136/adc.81.4.343
4. 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
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
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.CPT Code Information
83605
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LACS1 | Lactate, P | 2524-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LACS1 | Lactate, P | 2524-7 |