D-Lactate, Plasma
Use
D-lactate is produced by bacteria in the colon when carbohydrates are not completely absorbed in the small intestine. High levels of D-lactate can lead to metabolic acidosis and various neurologic symptoms, including altered mental status, dysarthria, and ataxia. This condition is often observed in patients with malabsorptive disorders, such as short-bowel syndrome or following a jejunoileal bypass. Healthy children with gastroenteritis may also show D-lactic acidosis. Routine lactic acid tests do not detect D-lactate because they measure only L-lactate; therefore, D-lactate analysis must be specifically requested.
Special Instructions
Urine is the preferred specimen for D-lactate determination. For L-lactate (lactic acid) determination, order LACS1 / Lactate, Plasma. If collecting in sodium heparin tubes, centrifugation must occur within one hour of collection.
Limitations
This test specifically measures D-lactate. D-lactate is a product of bacterial overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract and should not be confused with L-lactate, which accumulates in some metabolic acidosis. Because D-lactate is readily excreted, urine determinations are preferred over plasma measurements. The test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and was developed in accordance with CLIA requirements.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 14045-9
- 14045-9
Result Turnaround Time
3-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.15 mL
Container
Sodium Fluoride/Potassium Oxalate Tube
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial. If collecting in sodium heparin tubes, centrifugation must occur within one hour of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, OK; Gross lipemia, OK; Gross icterus, OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 91 days |
| Refrigerated | 91 days |
| Frozen | 91 days |