Laboratory Medicine Program

Beta Hydroxybutyrate

Clinical Decription:
Ketone bodies—ß-Hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone—are an important energy source during energy restriction. They are predominately produced from fatty acids by the liver. Among the ketone bodies, ß-Hydroxybutyrate usually accounts for about 75%. Determination of ketone bodies in serum is of great assistance in the diagnosis and management of ketosis. Reports have shown that ß-Hydroxybutyrate is a good index for monitoring treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. In diabetic patients, the measurement of ß-Hydroxybutyrate along with blood glucose is essential for the assessment of the severity of diabetic coma. It serves as a reliable guide for monitoring the progress of insulin therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis and for any patient presenting to the emergency room with documented hypoglycemia, acidosis, alcohol ingestion or an unexplained increase in the anion gap. Additionally, serum ß-Hydroxybutyrate is a key parameter monitored during controlled 24-hour fasts.

Method: Enzymatic reaction; Diazyme DX-Lite c270

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
< 0.30 mmol/L

Specimen Type: Plasma
Collected In: Lithium heparin
Volume: 3 mL (minimum: 1 mL)

Shipping: None

Special Instructions: n/a

Testing Schedule(s): 2 x per week.

Turnaround Time: None

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227