Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
BLAC
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0166
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Specimen must be collected in fluoride tube. Mix well. Do not use serum.
Plasma lactate may be falsely elevated if a tourniquet is used.
Transport
Transport to laboratory without delay.
Separating
Centrifuge within 60 minutes of collection.
Laboratory
Irreplaceable and critical samples - please contact the on-call chemical pathologist to discuss.
Sample Stability
Separated fluoride plasma is stable for 8 hours at 15-25°C, 14 days at 2-8°C
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Lactate pyruvate ratio, Lactate (capillary blood)
Turnaround Time
3 hours
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Fluoride (Grey Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Fluoride (Grey Cap)
Acceptable
- Paediatric Blood Gas Capillary Tubes
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
For capillary sample: Collect one heparinised capillary tube.
Mix well. Transport to laboratory without delay.
Capillary samples are very dependent on the quality of specimen collection, including the maintenance of anaerobic conditions during the procedure, to produce reliable results.
Last updated: 14/08/2026