Test/Investigation
Lactate (CSF)
Site(s) or Laboratory offering Test/Investigation
NNUH, JPUH, QEH (Biochemistry)
Units
mmol/L
Comments/Precautions
When 4 universal samples are taken for CSF analysis samples 3 and 4 should be sent to biochemistry as these have less blood contamination. Samples 1 and 2 are sent to Microbiology, as per CSF SOP.
Storage conditions and sample stability between collection and transport to Lab
Unpreserved samples must be analysed within 2 hours of collection.
Sample type
CSF collected into fluoride oxalate tube (Grey top)
Turnaround times (TAT) Urgent/Routine/GP or OPD
1 hour / 4 hour / 24 hours
Reference intervals (adult unless stated)
0 – 4 wk 0.9 – 2.5 mmol/L
4 wk – 1 yr 0.9 – 2.2 mmol/L
1 – 10 yr 1.0 – 2.1 mmol/L
> 10 yr 1.2 – 2.7 mmol/L
Source
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412827/pdf/pone.0042745.pdf