Critical reviews in clinical laboratory sciences
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Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci · Jan 1991
ReviewBlood lactate: biochemistry, laboratory methods, and clinical interpretation.
With the renewed awareness of blood lactate as an indicator of circulatory impairment, there has been much interest in the use of lactate measurements to determine the overall state of oxygenation of patients in critical care. This review begins by covering the areas of lactate homeostasis and biochemistry, both of which are essential for fully understanding the interpretation of lactate measurements. ⋯ Both the principles and the latest developments in lactate methodology are covered, including the new whole blood analyzers. This review concludes with reference intervals and guidelines to the interpretation of results.