Accuracy of Accusport for measurement of lactate concentrations in equine blood and plasma.

The research aimed to assess the accuracies of two lactate measuring methods, Accusport and Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI), in equine blood and plasma, and to study the effect of packed cell volume (PCV) on the accuracy of Accusport. The findings showed that Accusport significantly underestimated the blood lactate concentration when levels exceeded 10 mmol/l and when PCV went beyond 53%. However, Accusport accurately measured plasma lactate concentration within a range of 0.8-20 mmol/l.

Objective of the Study

• The researchers wanted to compare the efficacy of two different methods in determining lactate concentration in the blood and plasma of horses via the Accusport method and the Yellow Springs Instruments method.
• Additionally, they looked to examine how PCV affects Accusport’s accuracy in measuring lactate levels.

Methodology of the Study

• Blood samples were taken from Thoroughbred horses at 5-10 minute intervals after a treadmill exercise test which presumably resulted in increased lactate levels due to exertion.
• Blood was added to Sodium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaEDTA) to measure PCV, and to two tubes containing lithium heparin anticoagulant in preparation for the lactate assays.

Results of the Study

• The findings showed that Accusport significantly underestimated blood lactate concentration when concentrations were above 10 mmol/l.
• Accusport also underestimated blood lactate concentration when PCV exceeded 53% suggesting a correlation between PCV and its accuracy in measuring blood lactate levels.
• In contrast, Accusport showed accurate results in measuring plasma lactate concentration within a range of 0.8-20 mmol/l.