Int J Sports Med 1995; 16(2): 88-90
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-972970
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Storage on Measured Blood Lactate Concentration - A Research Note

D. W. Hill
  • Department of Kinesiology, The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, U.S.A.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
09 March 2007 (online)

Abstract

It is not always convenient to analyse blood samples immediately after collection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage for 2 to 6 weeks on lactate concentration in whole blood samples. Following 219 outdoor running races, fingertip blood samples were obtained and immediately treated with an anticoagulant (EDTA), an erythrocyte-lysing agent (Triton X-100), and an anti-glycolytic agent (sodium fluoride). Samples were analysed shortly after they were obtained and then again after either 2 weeks (n = 73), 4 weeks (n = 73), or 6 weeks (n = 73). Results of ANOVAs revealed an effect of storage time on the measured concentration (F2,216 = 16.26, p < 0.01). There was no effect of storage for 2 or 4 weeks but, after 6 weeks, mean (± SD) blood lactate concentration values were 0.8 ± 1.1 mM (+5 %) higher than initially (t72 = 6.77, p<0.01). It is concluded that blood samples treated with Triton X-100, EDTA, and sodium fluoride may be stored up to 4 weeks without appreciable effect on measured blood lactate concentration.

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