Baillière's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology
-
Lactate is a metabolite that can safely and easily can be determined in fetal scalp blood using new microvolume (5-20 microliters) lactate meters. However, new lactate analysing methods need their own reference values. ⋯ Prospective randomized studies are needed before the method can be introduced into clinical practice. As a predictor of neonatal outcome, lactate can substitute pH in routine assessment of cord artery blood at delivery.