Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
A panel of tests including glucose, lactate, 3-OH butyrate and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) for the investigation of hypoglycaemia.
Analysis of intermediary metabolites in blood samples taken when the patient is hypoglycaemic (glucose <2.6 mmol/L) is used to help identify the cause.
See the UK Metabolic Biochemistry Network best practice guideline for investigation of hypoglycaemia in infants and children for further information on interpretation of results https://metbio.net/
See separate entries for plasma glucose and lactate
Specimen container paediatric:
K-EDTA plasma (3-OH butyrate, NEFA).
Alternatively, a blood sample may be collected in a tube containing perchloric acid (PCA) and is suitable for analysis of glucose, lactate and 3-OH butyrate. This sample is not suitable for analysis of NEFA.
Specimen container adult:
K-EDTA plasma (3-OH butyrate, NEFA).
Alternatively, a blood sample may be collected in a tube containing perchloric acid (PCA) and is suitable for analysis of glucose, lactate and 3-OH butyrate. This sample is not suitable for analysis of NEFA.
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
0.5 mL blood
Transport requirements:
NuTH requests: send to laboratory at ambient temperatureExternal laboratories: send frozen
Reference ranges:
Reports are issued with interpretative comments