Specimen Requirements

Allow patient to be at rest for 30 minutes. Specimen must be centrifuged with 15 minutes of collection.

Draw from stasis-free vein. Avoid the use of tourniquet if possible.

Specimen Type: Plasma: Na-fluoride/K-oxalate and Na-fluoride/Na-heparin

(Dark Green) plasma. Sodium heparinized specimens must be

centrifuge and the plasma removed from the red blood cells

within 15 minutes of collecting the specimen. Lactate in grey

top specimens remain stable due to the cessation of glycosis.

Blood samples should be drawn from a stasis-free vein.

However, minimal hemostasis (less than 30 seconds) will not

affect lactate levels. Avoid the use of a tourniquet, if possible.

Glycolysis in blood samples can rapidly increase lactate levels.

Cells contribute to the glycolysis and their quick removal is

essential for accurate lactate analysis.

Sodium Heparinized(Dark Green) plasma is acceptable, but

precautions must be taken to retard glycolysis by keeping the

whole blood on ice and then separating the plasma from the cells

within 15 minutes of collection.

Container/Tube: Grey-top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride) tube,

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Type: Plasma