Sign in →

Test ID LABF Lactate, Body Fluid

Useful For

Aid in differentiating between bacterial and viral meningitis

 

Aid in identifying increased glycolysis or hypoxia associated with bacterial meningitis, cerebral infarction, cerebral arteriosclerosis, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, cerebral edema, epilepsy, and inborn errors of metabolism

Method Name

Photometric, Lactate Oxidase/Peroxidase (Vitros Dry Slide)

Reporting Name

Lactate, BF

Specimen Type

Body Fluid

Specimen Type: Spinal fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge to remove any cellular material.

2. Indicate specimen source. Spinal fluid is the only acceptable source.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Body Fluid Frozen (preferred) 30 days
  Refrigerated  14 days

Clinical Information

Lactate found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is predominantly produced by central nervous system (CNS) glycolysis and is independent of serum lactate. Increased CSF lactate concentrations are related to increased cerebral glycolysis or hypoxia associated with bacterial meningitis, cerebral infarction, cerebral arteriosclerosis, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, cerebral edema, epilepsy, and inborn errors of metabolism. Lactate measurement in CSF has been proposed as a test to differentiate bacterial from viral meningitis.

Reference Values

Not applicable

Cautions

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate concentrations should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory results. 

 

CSF lactate concentrations decrease after treatment with antibiotics, therefore specimens should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotics in order to differentiate bacterial from ascetic meningitis.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday, Continuously

Report Available

1 day/2 hours

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer’s instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

83605

NY State Approved

Yes