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Beta-hydroxybutyrate
MessagePerformed in Chemistry
Test Code
BHB
CPT Codes
82010
Preferred Specimen
Green LiHep, Plasma
WyMCC - 3 ml SST
WyMCC - 3 ml SST
Other Acceptable Specimens
Gold/SST, Red
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated 7 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Setup Schedule
Daily, Sunday through Saturday
Report Available
Less than 4 hours
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 hyperketonemia shown by the blood levels of ßhydroxybutyrate is therefore extremely important in the assessment of ketosis
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 hyperketonemia shown by the blood levels of ßhydroxybutyrate is therefore extremely important in the assessment of ketosis
