D-Lactate
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 meta...
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.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (plain tube)
Serum (plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (plain tube)
Serum (plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
Separate within 1h and refrigerate immediately
Separate within 1h and refrigerate immediately
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Other Info:
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email: