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Test Code
LACT
Test Name
Lactate
CPT Codes
83605
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Used to evaluate hypoxia, circulatory, and hypoperfusion conditions.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Plasma

Collection Container: Gray Top (Sodium Fluoride)

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.4 mL
Collection Instructions
  • Patient should refrain from clenching hand muscles during phlebotomy procedure.
  • Phlebotomist should attempt collection without use of a tourniquet. If a tourniquet must be used, release as soon as blood begins to flow.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Centrifuge specimen.
  2. Transfer plasma to plastic aliquot tube labeled plasma.
  3. Refrigerate until testing can be completed.

Tubes with anticoagulant: To ensure accurate test results, all tubes containing an anticoagulant or preservative must be allowed to fill completely. Attempts to force more blood into the tube by exerting pressure, as in collection with a syringe, will result in damage to the red cells (hemolysis).
Patient Preparation

Patient should not exercise prior to testing.
Transport Instructions
  • Transport on ice to the laboratory within 15 minutes of collection.
  • If collection to receipt in laboratory is more than 15 minutes see Processing and Submission Instructions.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

8 hours - after processing

Refrigerated

15 minutes - unprocessed

14 days - after processing
Causes for Rejection
Hemolyzed samples are unacceptable for patient testing.
Methodology
Endpoint
Reference Intervals

HNL Lab Medicine Chemistry Reference Intervals
Critical Values

HNL Lab Medicine Critical Values
Performing Location
17th Street Hospital, Carbon Hospital, Cedar Crest Hospital, Cedar Crest Red Lab, Dickson City Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Redeemer Health, Schuylkill Hospital
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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