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Beta- Hydroxybutryate
Test CodeBHB
Alias/See Also
Ketones, Acetone
CPT Codes
82010
Preferred Specimen
Light GREEN (PST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
Serum: Red, Gold (SST)
Plasma: EDTA (LAV), Heparin (GRN)
Plasma: EDTA (LAV), Heparin (GRN)
Specimen Stability
Serum or plasma levels are stable one week when stored at 2-80 C.
Methodology
Beckman AU
Setup Schedule
24x7
Report Available
< 1 day
Reference Range
CRMC and CCMC: 0.2-2.8 mg/dL
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 Beta-hydroxybutyrate. Ordinarily, Beta-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, Beta-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 Beta-hydroxybutyrate as well as the blood glucose is needed for the assessment of the severity of diabetic coma. Moreover, the insulin requirements are often based on the extent of the existing hyperketonemia shown by the blood levels of Beta-hydroxybutyrate. This analyte is therefore extremely important in the assessment of diabetic ketosis.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
CCMC Laboratory
