Falsely increased plasma lactate concentration due to ethylene glycol poisoning in 2 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe false increases in plasma lactate concentration measured on point-of-care analyzers in 2 dogs with ethylene glycol (EG) intoxication.

CASE SUMMARY: Two dogs presenting with EG intoxication had extreme increases of plasma lactate concentrations recorded on a point-of-care machine. Laboratory analysis by spectrophotometry of lactate concentration determined these lactate measurements to be erroneous. False increases in plasma lactate concentration were demonstrated in 2 out of 3 point-of-care machines tested.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Glycolate, a toxic metabolite of EG, can interfere with the measurement of plasma lactate by some analyzers and this may delay the correct diagnosis of EG toxicity if not recognized.