Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Fluoride oxalate tube Plain universal container

Minimum volume required

250 µL CSF

Special requirements

Preferably tap #2 Sent immediately to the laboratory (not via pod system, take by hand to specimen reception)

Patient preparation

No specific patient preparation required

Sample viability

Turnaround time

This assay is run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours.

Reference range

Neonates (≤28 days): 0.9 – 2.5 mmol/L Infants & Children (>28 days – <19 years): 1.0 – 2.2 mmol/L Adults (≥19 years): 1.1 – 2.4 mmol/L (Source: Leen et al. PLOS One 2012)

Clinical guidance

Raised levels of CSF lactate may occur with severe cerebral hypoxia or genetic lactic acidosis, intracranial haemorrhage, bacterial meningitis and epilepsy. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about lactate. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/lactate

Notes