Synonyms
- 3-Hydroxybutyrate (3HB)
- Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid
- Ketone Bodies
Expected Turnaround Time
3 - 10 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma, frozen
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (sodium heparin) tube.
Collection
Serum/plasma must be separated from cells within two hours of venipuncture. Transfer separated serum/plasma to a plastic transport tube. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Storage Instructions
Freeze.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Refrigerated | 2 days |
Frozen | 11 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Patient Preparation
Fasting is preferred, but non-fasting samples are acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Test Details
Use
β-hydroxybutyrate is one of three sources of ketone bodies. Ketoacidosis in diabetes usually occurs with decreased plasma pH and bicarbonate, increased glucose, and other abnormalities. As ketoacidosis and metabolic acidosis are treated, hypokalemia may become evident. A normal or low potassium on admission with ketoacidosis may indicate severe potassium depletion.1 Thus, potassium is among parameters to follow in treatment of ketoacidosis. In children younger than 10 years of age, diabetic ketoacidosis is reported to account for 70% of diabetes-related deaths.2
Limitations
The β-hydroxybutyrate assay will not detect acetoacetic acid and acetone. Acidosis shifts equilibrium toward β-hydroxybutyrate, but treatment of ketoacidosis results in increased acetoacetate and a more positive "acetone" reaction before ketone bodies decrease.3
Methodology
Spectrophotometric
Reference Interval
All ages (fasting): 0.2−2.8 mg/dL
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 503610 | Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | 29512-1 | 503611 | Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | mg/dL | 29512-1 |