Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Name:

LACTATE - (CSF)

Test Code: SFLA

Clinical Information:

Test Indications: This test is used for differentiating between bacterial and viral meningitis. It is also used to identify increased anaerobic glycolysis due to other causes. CSF lactate is primarily produced by CNS anaerobic glycolysis and is independent of blood lactate level.

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:	1 - Sterile 15 mL Screw Cap Collection Container Sterile 15 mL Screw Cap Collection Container Manufacturer: Catalogue #:
Alternate Device:	1 - Sterile 15 mL Screw Cap Conical Tube Sterile 15 mL Screw Cap Conical Tube Manufacturer: Becton Dickinson Catalogue #:

Specimen Required:

Cerebrospinal Fluid: 0.5 mL

Pediatric Cerebrospinal Fluid: 0.1 mL

Place the sample on ice and send immediately to Biochemistry lab. If more than one vial is collected, send VIAL #1 to Biochemistry.
Stability 24 hours refrigerated, 2 months frozen

Referral:

Centrifuge promptly and freeze

Requisition:

_SH Body Fluid Requisition (R250-10-53)

Reference Values:

0 - 2 days: 1.1 - 6.7 mmol/L
3 - 10 days: 1.1 - 4.4 mmol/L
11 days - 17 years: 1.1 - 2.8 mmol/L
> 17 years: 1.1 - 2.4 mmol/L

Availability:

Daily or Stat