Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
N.B. Urine organic acids analysis is the recommended first-line investigation into D-lacticacidosis. Plasma D-lacate analysis is rarely indicated.D-lactate is produced by colonic bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates in patients with impaired carbohydrate absorption (e.g. short bowel syndrome). High levels of D-lactate can cause metabolic acidosis, altered mental status (from drowsiness to coma), and other neurologic symptoms. D-lacticacidosis may be suspected in patients with acidosis and normal plasma lactate. Routine laboratory and POCT lactate analysis measures L-lactate. D-lactate is not detected.Urine organic acids detects both L- and D-lactate as well as other possible causes of metabolic acidosis and since analysis is faster and cheaper than plasma D-lactate it is the recommended investigation in patients with suspected D-lacticacidosis.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Special requirements:
Separate within 1h and refrigerate immediately
Other info :
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable