Is there an alternative if a grey top tube (for lactates) or 8% PCA (for pyruvates) cannot be obtained when collecting the samples?
For lactate analysis, the alternative to the grey top tube is to use the green top tube. HOWEVER, as soon as the sample is collected into the green top tube (heparin tube), it must be mixed and centrifuged. The plasma must then be separated and frozen. The frozen samples should be shipped on dry ice by an overnight delivery service. If this process is not performed immediately after collection, it will cause erroneous elevation of lactate concentration by red blood cell lactate production. Purple top tubes (EDTA tubes) cannot be used for lactate sample collection. Do to problems with stability, there is no alternative for collection of plasma pyruvate.
Related Questions
- Is there an alternative if a grey top tube (for lactates) or 8% PCA (for pyruvates) cannot be obtained when collecting the samples?
- When should a chest radiograph be obtained after chest tube removal in mechanically ventilated patients?
- What samples should be obtained if I suspect a pet is infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
