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Test Code BHB Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (Ketone)

Performing Laboratory

Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory

Useful For

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is one of three ketone bodies present in the blood. BHB is the predominant ketone body, comprising 78% of the total; thus it is the most sensitive marker for ketoacidosis. In conjunction with glucose, BHB is recommended as an assessment tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Specimen Requirements

 

Container/Tube  
Preferred  PST (Li Hep) Gel- Mint Green Top
Acceptable  SST
Specimen Volume  3.0mL
Minimum Volume  1.0mL

Specimen Type

Plasma preferred.

Serum acceptable.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated 2-8°C  7 days.

Day(s) Test Set up

Monday Through Sunday

Available STAT

Reference Values

0.02-0.27 mmol/L  Expected range following a 12 hour fast.

 

Patients with well documented diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may exhibit a concentration of BHB greater than 2 mmol/L.

Methodology

ECLIA

CPT Code

82010

Loinc Code

6873-4