Pyruvic Acid, Blood
Use
The Pyruvic Acid, Blood test is used as a screening tool for assessing possible disorders of mitochondrial metabolism, specifically when considered alongside blood lactate levels. This test helps in determining the lactate-to-pyruvate (L:P) ratio, which is considered a useful, though not diagnostic, measure for evaluating patients with potential mitochondrial disorders. It is particularly valuable in cases where patients present with either neurologic dysfunction or abnormal blood lactate levels. While pyruvic acid levels alone do not provide significant diagnostic value, when used in conjunction with lactate measurements, they can suggest possible metabolic dysfunctions.
Special Instructions
This test has special collection requirements, including the need for a prechilled special collection tube containing 2.5 mL of 6% perchloric acid. Proper fasting of 4 hours and careful handling to prevent the spilling of the preservative are crucial. If interested in obtaining the lactate:pyruvate ratio, order LAPYP / Lactate Pyruvate Panel, Plasma.
Limitations
Pyruvic acid levels alone hold limited clinical utility and must be evaluated with lactate levels and clinical context. Abnormal concentrations of pyruvic acid and L:P ratios are not definitively diagnostic for any specific disorder without further confirmatory tests. Proper specimen collection and handling are critical due to the sensitivity of the results to these factors. Artifactually high L:P ratios can occur if the patient is acutely ill during specimen collection.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry Analyzer)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 14121-8
- 14121-8
- 2905-8
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Special collection tube containing 2.5 mL of 6% perchloric acid
Collection Instructions
Special collection tube must be prechilled prior to collection. Draw enough blood directly into a syringe to add exactly 1 mL of blood to the prechilled special collection tube. Transfer blood immediately, recap, and shake vigorously to mix.
Patient Preparation
Fasting for 4 hours is required.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis is acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 15 days |