Blood concentrations of d ‐ and l ‐lactate in healthy rabbits

OBJECTIVES To determine whole blood and serum concentrations of l ‐lactate and serum concentrations of d ‐lactate in healthy rabbits and compare three methods of analysis for l ‐lactate measurement. METHODS Prospective study using 25 rabbits. Concentrations of whole blood l ‐lactate were measured using a portable analyser and a blood gas analyser. The remainder of the sample was allowed to clot for centrifugation. Serum was stored at −20°C for determination of l ‐ and d ‐ lactate by high‐performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS d ‐lactate values by high‐performance liquid chromatography were 0 · 17 ± 0 · 08 mmol/L. l ‐lactate values were 5 · 1 (±2 · 1) mmol/L by high‐performance liquid chromatography, 6 · 9 (±2 · 7) mmol/L with the portable analyser and 7 · 1 (±1 · 6) mmol/L with the blood gas analyser. No significant difference (P > 0 · 05) was found between the two analysers. Significant difference existed between serum l ‐lactate values obtained by high‐performance liquid chromatography and the whole blood values obtained with the blood gas analyser (P < 0 · 01) and portable analyser (P < 0 · 05). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Serum concentrations of d ‐lactate in healthy rabbits are in the range of those of other mammals. l ‐lactate values in healthy rabbits are higher compared with other mammals. Good correlation was found between the portable and blood gas analysers for whole blood l ‐lactate measurement in healthy rabbits.