Pyruvic Acid

Also known as: PYRU

Clinical Use

Use

This test measures the concentration of pyruvic acid in the blood. Pyruvic acid is a key intermediate in cellular metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Abnormal levels of pyruvic acid can be an indicator of mitochondrial diseases, as well as other metabolic disorders. It is important to note that an isolated measurement of pyruvic acid has limited clinical value. The preferred test is the Lactate to Pyruvate Ratio, which provides more diagnostic information by measuring both lactate and pyruvate concentrations on the same specimen.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

This test relies on precise blood collection and preparation procedures. If less than the required amount of blood is added to the collection tube, the pH of the supernatant will be too low for testing. Furthermore, the stability of the specimen is only 2 days refrigerated and 4 weeks when frozen, limiting the timeframe for accurate testing. Deviations from recommended collection and storage procedures could lead to erroneous results.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)

Biomarkers

Pyruvic Acid

Analyte

Quantitative Enzymatic Assay

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

14121-8 - Pyruvate Bld-sCnc

Result Turnaround Time

1-2 days

Specimen

Plasma

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Container

Green (Sodium or Lithium Heparin)

Collection Instructions

Immediately after blood is drawn, add exactly 1 mL whole blood to a chilled pyruvate collection tube containing 2 mL 8 percent (w/v) perchloric acid (ARUP supply #16567). Mix well for 30 seconds then place in an ice bath for 10 minutes. Centrifuge for 10 minutes at 1500 x g. Decant 2 mL supernatant to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube and freeze.

Patient Preparation

Patient should be fasting and at complete rest. Patient should avoid any exercise of the arm or hand before or during collection. Draw the specimen without using a tourniquet, or within three minutes of applying the tourniquet, but before its release.