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Lactate, CSF

Container Type

Test ID LAB5227
EPIC Order LACTATE, CSF
CPT Code(s) 83605
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Core Laboratory
Tube Station 31
Specimen Routine: 500 µL CSF in sterile screw cap container or sterile syringe without additives. See Comments
Stability  

Room Temp: 30 minutes

Refrigerated:  if unable to send within 30 minutes of collection

Frozen: -20°C up to 1 month
Availability Routine: 24 hrs/day
STAT: Yes
Turnaround Time           20 Minutes 
Reference Range Normal: 1.1 - 2.4 mmol/L, effective 3/17/2003
Critical: >4.0 mmol/L
Comments
  • Deliver Immediately to Blood Gas lab. If transport will be >30 minutes, place specimen on ice or refrigerate.
  • Syringes with needles attached will NOT be accepted.

Reviewed by J. Carr on January 15, 2026

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514