Which of the following is NOT correct regarding specimen collection for determination of lactic acid levels?

Which of the following is NOT correct regarding specimen collection for determination of lactic acid levels?

• A. Tourniquet should not be used
• B. Use heparin as anticoagulant
• C. Specimen transported on ice
• D. None of the above

Answer: (D)

Lactic acid testing requires strict specimen handling to prevent artificial changes from ongoing glycolysis after collection. A tourniquet should be avoided because venous stasis can cause local tissue hypoxia and increased lactate, leading to falsely high results. Using heparin as the anticoagulant is appropriate for obtaining plasma lactate without interference from clotting processes that other anticoagulants might introduce. Transporting the specimen on ice slows cellular metabolism and minimizes glycolysis during transit, preserving the true lactate level. Because these handling steps are all correct, there isn’t an incorrect statement among them, so none of the above is not correct.

Lactic acid testing requires strict specimen handling to prevent artificial changes from ongoing glycolysis after collection. A tourniquet should be avoided because venous stasis can cause local tissue hypoxia and increased lactate, leading to falsely high results. Using heparin as the anticoagulant is appropriate for obtaining plasma lactate without interference from clotting processes that other anticoagulants might introduce. Transporting the specimen on ice slows cellular metabolism and minimizes glycolysis during transit, preserving the true lactate level. Because these handling steps are all correct, there isn’t an incorrect statement among them, so none of the above is not correct.