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Test ID DLAC D-Lactate, Plasma

Useful For

An adjunct to urine D-lactate (preferred), in the diagnosis of D-lactate acidosis

Testing Algorithm

DLAU / D-Lactate, Urine is the preferred specimen for D-lactate determinations.

Method Name

Enzymatic

Reporting Name

D-Lactate, P

Specimen Type

Plasma NaFl-KOx

Collection Container/Tube: Grey top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride) (Supply T275)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Spin down and immediately freeze specimen.

Additional Information: For L-lactate (lactic acid), order LLA / Lactate, Plasma.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.55 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma NaFl-KOx Frozen (preferred) 365 days
  Ambient  7 days
  Refrigerated  7 days

Clinical Information

D-lactate is produced by bacteria residing in the colon when carbohydrates are not completely absorbed in the small intestine. When large amounts of D-lactate are present, individuals can experience metabolic acidosis, altered mental status (from drowsiness to coma), and a variety of other neurologic symptoms, particularly dysarthria and ataxia.

 

D-lactic acidosis is typically observed in patients with a malabsorptive disorder, such as short-bowel syndrome, or, following a jejunoileal bypass. In addition, healthy children presenting with gastroenteritis may also develop the critical presentation of D-lactic acidosis.

 

Routine lactic acid determinations in blood will not reveal abnormalities because most lactic acid assays measure only L-lactate. Accordingly, D-lactate analysis must be specifically requested (eg, DLAC / D-Lactate, Plasma). However, as D-lactate is readily excreted in urine, DLAU / D-Lactate, Urine is the preferred specimen for D-lactate determinations.

Reference Values

0.0-0.25 mmol/L

Cautions

Urine is the preferred specimen to determine D-lactate.

 

The test performed was D-lactate. This is a product of bacterial overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract. It should not be confused with L-lactate, which accumulates in some metabolic acidosis.

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Thursday

Report Available

4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83605

NY State Approved

Yes