Continuous-Flow Measurement of Lactate in Blood: A Technique Adapted for Use in the Emergency Laboratory

Abstract

This automated enzymatic method for analysis of lactate in blood, adapted from a manual method, is designed for use with an AutoAnalyzer. Start-up time is 5 min. After a time delay of 4 min, 99 samples may be analyzed per hour. Recovery averaged 100.7% (range, 99.6-101.8%). Reproducibility was within 1 SD (equivalent to 70 µmol/liter). Reagents are stable at room temperature for one month. The procedure has been in continuous use as an emergency test in support of emergency and critical care for three years, during which time we have done more than 10 000 determinations.