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Test Code LAB5564 CSF Lactic acid

Performing Laboratory

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center / Asante Three Rivers Medical Center

Specimen Minimum Volume

.2 mL

Billing Code

2050789

Specimen Requirements

Spinal Fluid free of red cells. If red cells are present the specimen must be submitted on ice, centrifuged and fluid separated from cells within 15 minutes.

Specimen Transport Temperature and Stability

A sample free of red cells may be submitted at room temperature.  Samples containing red cells should be submitted on ice and fluid separated from cells within 15 minutes. 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Performing Department

Chemistry

Reasons for Rejection

Quantity not sufficient

Bloody tap not submitted on ice and/or fluid not separated from cells within 15 minutes.

Methodology

Lactate to pyruvate

Additional Information

Lactic acid levels in CSF will generally mirror those of blood/plasma.  However, increased lactate levels in CSF in the absence of increased blood/plasma lactate concentration have been reported in cases of bacterial meningitis, cerebral hypoxia, ischemia and in certain inborn errors of metabolism.  The main diagnostic use of CSF lactic acid levels is rapid differentiation of viral meningitis/encephalitis from bacterial infections.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

83605 Lactic Acid