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BETA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE
Test CodeBETA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE
Alias/See Also
BHOB
Preferred Specimen
Serum SST
Minimum Volume
1mL
Transport Temperature
2-8ºc
Specimen Stability
1 week
Methodology
Enzymatic
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
< 2 Days
Limitations
Lactic dehydrogenase and lactate have been shown to inter-fere with the assay. The incorporation of oxalic acid in this reagent eliminates this interference as reported.
Reference Range
0.02-0.27 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Ketosis is a common feature in acutely ill patients. In subjects suffering from starvation, acute alcohol abuse, or diabetes mellitus, ketosis can result in severe life threatening metabolic acidosis. The presence and degree of ketosis can be determined by measuring blood levels of ß-hydroxybutyrate.
Ordinarily, ß-hydroxybutyrate is the ketoacid present in the greatest amount in serum. It accounts for approximately 75% of the ketone bodies which also contain acetoacetate and acetone.During periods of ketosis, ß-hydroxybutyrate increases even more than the other two ketoacids, acetoacetate and acetone, and has been shown to be a better index of ketoacidosis including the detection of subclinical ketosis.
In diabetics, the measurement of ß-hydroxybutyrate as well as the blood glucose is needed for the assessment of the severity of diabetic coma and is essential for the exclusion of hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma. Moreover, the insulin requirements are often based on the extent of the existing hyperketonemia9 shown by the blood levels of ß-hydroxybutyrate is therefore extremely important in the assessment of ketosis.
Ordinarily, ß-hydroxybutyrate is the ketoacid present in the greatest amount in serum. It accounts for approximately 75% of the ketone bodies which also contain acetoacetate and acetone.During periods of ketosis, ß-hydroxybutyrate increases even more than the other two ketoacids, acetoacetate and acetone, and has been shown to be a better index of ketoacidosis including the detection of subclinical ketosis.
In diabetics, the measurement of ß-hydroxybutyrate as well as the blood glucose is needed for the assessment of the severity of diabetic coma and is essential for the exclusion of hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma. Moreover, the insulin requirements are often based on the extent of the existing hyperketonemia9 shown by the blood levels of ß-hydroxybutyrate is therefore extremely important in the assessment of ketosis.
Performing Laboratory
West Roxbury Chemistry
Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek
857-203-5418
Last Updated: May 5, 2025
