Substances Clinically Associated With Lactic Acidosis Interfere With Laboratory Blood Lactate Assay

Warning note on a blood gas report leading to diagnosis of acetaminophen overdose

“…Glucose and lactate concentrations in the blood gas machine are measured by glucose and lactate biosensors, which are electrochemical cells that incorporate amperometric technology. Guzman et al (4) tested three commercially available blood gas analyzers for possible interference by substances known to be associated with lactic acidosis. Increased levels of acetaminophen, isoniazid, and thiocyanate interfered with lactate measurement and produced spuriously elevated lactate results.…”