Beta Hydroxybutyrate
| Order Code: | BHY |
| Order Form: | Laboratory Requisition |
Specimen:
Plasma
Collection Medium:
 |
| Plasma Separator Tube |
Alternate
Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or 1 light green top
microtainer for pediatric patients.
Testing
Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
0.0-0.3 mEq/l
Comments:
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 β-hydroxybutyrate.
Ordinarily, β-hydroxybutyrate is the ketoacid present in the greatest amount in serum. It accounts for approximately 75% of the ketone bodies which also include acetoacetate and acetone. During periods of ketosis, β-hydroxybutyrate increases even more than the other two ketoacids (acetoacetate and acetone), and has been shown to be a good index of ketoacidosis, including the detection of subclinical ketosis.
In diabetics, the measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate as well as blood glucose can help to assess the severity of diabetic coma and help exclude hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma.
The β-hydroxybutyrate assay is specific for β-hydroxybutyrate and shows no cross-reactivity with acetoacetate or acetone.
Ordinarily, β-hydroxybutyrate is the ketoacid present in the greatest amount in serum. It accounts for approximately 75% of the ketone bodies which also include acetoacetate and acetone. During periods of ketosis, β-hydroxybutyrate increases even more than the other two ketoacids (acetoacetate and acetone), and has been shown to be a good index of ketoacidosis, including the detection of subclinical ketosis.
In diabetics, the measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate as well as blood glucose can help to assess the severity of diabetic coma and help exclude hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma.
The β-hydroxybutyrate assay is specific for β-hydroxybutyrate and shows no cross-reactivity with acetoacetate or acetone.
Methodology:
Enzymatic
Sample
Processing:
Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Aliquot plasma into labeled container and cap.
Aliquot plasma into labeled container and cap.
Sample
Storage:
Refrigerate.
Transport
Instructions:
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
82010
See also:
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate-Other, Body Fluid (e.g., surgical drain, pericardial, peritoneal, peritoneal dialysis, pleural, or synovial)
Urinalysis, Urine
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate-Other, Body Fluid (e.g., surgical drain, pericardial, peritoneal, peritoneal dialysis, pleural, or synovial)
Urinalysis, Urine