Pyruvic Acid
Also known as: PYRU
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
Patient should be fasting and at complete rest. It is crucial that the arm or hand is not exercised before or during the collection of the specimen. The blood should be drawn without the use of a tourniquet or within three minutes of applying the tourniquet, but before its release. Additionally, specific collection instructions must be followed to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
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.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 14121-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
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.
Storage Instructions
Frozen.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 2 days |
| Frozen | 4 weeks |