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Test & Collection Guide

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PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test


 Recent changes for Lactate

Recent changes for Lactate

Date
Field
Changed From
Changed To
21st March 2025
Request Group

LAC

LAC, CSFLACT

21st March 2025
Preferred Specimen Type

Plasma

Plasma
Cerebrospinal Fluid

Preferred Container Type

Fluoride/oxalate tube (grey)

Fluoride/oxalate tube (grey)
CSF

Collection & Request Instructions

Keep specimen on ice, transport to testing lab within four (4) hours.

Preferred tube - fluoride/oxalate (grey topped vacuum tube)

NB: specimens collected in this tube are unsuitable for most other tests.

Acceptable tubes -  Blood in a blood gas syringe, packed in ice and delivered within five minutes of collection.

Serum is NOT an acceptable sample.

Keep specimen on ice, transport to testing lab within four (4) hours.

Preferred tube - fluoride/oxalate (grey topped vacuum tube)

NB: specimens collected in this tube are unsuitable for most other tests.

Acceptable tubes -  Blood in a blood gas syringe, packed in ice and delivered within five minutes of collection.

Serum is NOT an acceptable sample.

CSF performed as requested on a CSF collection

Lactate

Alternate names:
Lactic Acid
Laboratory:
Biochemistry
Test Code:
LAC, CSFLACT
Specimen types:
Plasma
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Container types:
Fluoride/oxalate tube (grey)
CSF		Fluoride/oxalate tube (grey)
Collection Instructions:
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable

Keep specimen on ice, transport to testing lab within four (4) hours.

Preferred tube - fluoride/oxalate (grey topped vacuum tube)

NB: specimens collected in this tube are unsuitable for most other tests.

Acceptable tubes -  Blood in a blood gas syringe, packed in ice and delivered within five minutes of collection.

Serum is NOT an acceptable sample.

CSF performed as requested on a CSF collection

Notes:

Confirm presence of acidaemia before ordering lactate.

Specimens must be collected without venous stasis.

Delayed analysis will cause falsely elevated levels.

 

Frequency:
Daily
Result Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Reference Interval:

0.5 - 2.2 mmol/L plasma

1.1 - 2.4 mmol/L CSF 

  

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

 

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form  

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide 
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions 

 

Feedback

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