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.