Fluoride oxalate is the preferred specimen and should be used if possible. If a flouride oxalate specimen is collected, the specimen does not require rapid transportation to the laboratory.
If only LiHeparin plasma or serum is available,it can be used if sent on ice and received in the laboratory within 15 minutes of collection.

APPLICATION:  Investigation of metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap.
INTERPRETATION:  Lactate levels may be increased in association with diabetes mellitus, shock, hypoxia, congestive heart failure, and in numerous other pathological states and metabolic disorders.  Lactic acidosis in children may have a genetic origin eg, disorders of respiratory chain, gluconeogenesis and pyruvate decarboxylase deficiency.  See also pyruvate.