Blood lactate determined by a portable device in critically ill patients

Patients with tissue perfusion deficit usually have lactic acidosis or hyperlactacidemia and blood lactate level has been used to diagnose this condition and to monitor the disease progression. We conducted a study to examine the diagnostic accuracy of capillary and arterial lactate (C LAC and strip A LAC) obtained by using a portable lactate analyzer (Accusport) compared with the standard method (A LAC) in this condition. Forty eight patients were included in the study. Strong correlation between C LAC and A LAC as well as strip A LAC and A LAC were demonstrated (r = 0.89 and 0.98 respectively, p <0.05). When determining agreement between C LAC and strip A LAC with the standard method, all but 2 of C LAC - A LAC differences and 2 of strip A LAC - A LAC differences were within the agreement limits (mean +/- 2SD). We conclude that capillary and arterial lactate determined by the tested device, when used and interpreted cautiously, can substitute arterial lactate in the diagnosis of hyperlactacidemia and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.