J. Toffaletti, PHYSIOLOGY AND REGULATION - IONIZED CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM AND LACTATE MEASUREMENTS IN CRITICAL CARE SETTINGS, American journal of clinical pathology, 104(4), 1995, pp. 88-94
The biochemical and physiologic bases for clinical use of ionized calc
ium, magnesium, or lactate measurements are described, with emphasis o
n the critical care setting. lonized calcium or magnesium are usually
measured to prevent hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia, conditions that mo
st affect cardiovascular function. Blood lactate measurements have bee
n used more frequently in the last 5 years, despite decreases in overa
ll laboratory test volume. Lactate measurements appear to have clinica
l value, particularly for children having major cardiac surgery or ext
racorporeal membrane oxygenation. The changes in test volumes in the p
ast few Sears due to tile changing economic climate in medical practic
e are also described.