Test Code PYR Pyruvic Acid, Blood
Additional Testing Requirements
This test does not calculate the lactate:pyruvate ratio. If you would like the lactate:pyruvate ratio, order LAPYP / Lactate Pyruvate Panel, Plasma.
Specimen Required
Call 800-533-1710 or 507-266-5700 to order special collection tube.
Patient Preparation: Fasting (at least 4 hours)
Supplies: Perchloric Acid-Pyruvate Tube (T012)
Container/Tube: Special collection tube containing 2.5 mL of 6% perchloric acid
Specimen Volume: Exactly 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Special collection tube must be prechilled prior to collection.
2. Draw enough blood directly into syringe to add exactly 1 mL of blood to the prechilled special collection tube.
3. Taking care to not spill any of the preservative, cautiously remove the cap from the tube.
4. Immediately transfer blood, once drawn, to the prechilled, special collection tube, recap, and shake vigorously to mix.
Additional Information:
1. Check expiration date before using. Supplied collection tube expires 14 months after preparation.
2. If perchloric acid (preservative) spills, obtain a new, prechilled tube.
CMH COLLECTION: 2 mL in green (sodium heparin) vacutainer. Place in wet ice. Do not share the tube with other tests.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Whole blood | Refrigerated | 15 days | PYRUVATE |
Testing Algorithm
For information see Epilepsy: Unexplained Refractory and/or Familial Testing Algorithm
Useful For
Screening for possible disorders of mitochondrial metabolism, when used in conjunction with blood lactate collected at the same time, to determine the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysReporting Name
Pyruvic Acid, BReference Values
0.08-0.16 mmol/L
NIH Unit
0.7-1.4 mg/dL
Method Name
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
84210