Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Test Code

BHB

Quest Code

37054

CPT Codes
82010

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top), lithium heparin (green-top), sodium fluoride (gray-top), or EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Enzymatic

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-sat; Report available: 2-3 days

Reference Range

Pediatric	0.04-0.18 mmol/L
Adult	≤0.28 mmol/L

Clinical Significance

In diabetics, the measurement of B-hydroxybutyrate as well as 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. A specific enzymatic assay for Beta-hydroxybutyrate is extremely important in the assessment of ketosis.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

Last Updated: October 14, 2021

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.