Lactic acidosis is a condition that occurs when lactic acid in the blood accumulates faster than it can be removed. The most common cause is intense exercise but lactic acidosis may also be caused by kidney failure, respiratory failure and sepsis. Lactic acidosis may be diagnosed by a medical professional with a lactic acid test.
Instructions
1. Prepare the patient for the lactic acid test. The patient shouldn't eat for eight to ten hours before the test. The patient must also refrain from exercise for several hours prior to the lactic acid test.
2. Clean the needle site with antiseptic. The most common sites are the back of the hand or the inside of the elbow. Wrap an elastic band around the upper arm. This will make the vein swell so the needle can be inserted more easily.
3. Insert a needle into the vein and attach a tube to the needle. The blood should then collect into the tube. Remove the elastic band from the patient's arm. Remove the needle and cover the needle site with gauze to stop any bleeding.
4. Use a sharp puncturing tool called a lancet to draw blood from infants and young children. Allow the blood to collect into a small tube known as a pipette. Place a bandage over the site if needed to stop any bleeding.
5. Place a small amount of blood on a test strip or slide and submit it to the laboratory. The concentration of lactic acid in the blood is normally between 4.5 and 19.8 milligrams of lactic acid per deciliter of blood (mg/dl.) A lactic acid level above this range may indicate lactic acidosis.
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