Beta Hydroxybutyrate

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB2670
  • Soft Test Code:
  • BHB
Alternate Names
  • Acetone
  • Beta- Hydroxybutyrate
  • Beta- Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
  • BHB
  • Ketone
Clinical Significance

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (ordered as BHB) is one of three sources of ketone bodies. Its relative proportion in the blood (78%) is greater than the other two keytone bodies, which are acetoacetate (20%) and acetone (2%). During periods of ketosis, beta-hydroxybutyrate increases more than acetoacetate with the ratio of beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate typically between 3:1 and 7:1 in severe ketotic states. Beta-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to be a better index of ketoacidosis, including the detection of subclinical ketosis.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

1.0 mL Serum in a SST Gold Top Tube
Minimum Volume:
0.3 mL Serum*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge and separate from cells within 2 hours of collection


Rejection Criteria:

Avoid hemolysis


Transport and Storage:
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 Days

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

0.0 - 0.28 mmol/L


Methodology:
  • Enzymatic
Clinical Significance

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (ordered as BHB) is one of three sources of ketone bodies. Its relative proportion in the blood (78%) is greater than the other two keytone bodies, which are acetoacetate (20%) and acetone (2%). During periods of ketosis, beta-hydroxybutyrate increases more than acetoacetate with the ratio of beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate typically between 3:1 and 7:1 in severe ketotic states. Beta-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to be a better index of ketoacidosis, including the detection of subclinical ketosis.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Chemistry
Turn Around Time

Same Day/1 to 2 days; Stat eligible for pediatrics only


Stat Eligible

Coding & Compliance

CDM

01424333


CPT Coding

82010