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Test Code LAB4023 BETA HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID (KETONES)

Important Note

Useful for:

  • Monitoring therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Investigating the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting to the emergency room with hypoglycemia, acidosis, suspected alcohol ingestion, or an unexplained increase in the anion gap
  • In pediatric patients, the presence or absence of ketonemia/uria is an essential component in the differential diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism

Additional Codes

Labcorp 806443

Specimen Type

Only acceptable specimen is Dark Green Sodium Heparin, whole blood

ALL OTHER SPECIMENS WILL BE REJECTED

Synonyms

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate
Ketones
BHB

Specimen Volume

Preferred: 1 mL

Minimum: 0.25 mL

Sample Stability

Room Temp: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 1 week

Specimen Processing

Do not centrifuge, walk specimen back to chemistry.

Clinical Information

In ketosis, the body produces more ketones that it can process. It occurs when the body does not have enough carbohydrate (glucose) available to meet its demand for energy, so the body begins to utilize its stored fat for energy. Fatty acids are metabolized in the liver and this metabolism produces chemical by-products called ketones. These ketone bodies consist of acetone, acetoacetate, and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). BHB accounts for approximately 75% of all ketone bodies present and is the first one to be present during ketosis.

 

Under normal circumstances, ketones are broken down into carbon dioxide and water by the liver and other organs. Under abnormal circumstances, the buildup of ketones in the blood disrupts the chemical balance of the body. If left unchecked, ketosis can prove fatal.

 

This is an in-vitro test for the quantitative determination of BHB in whole blood using the STAT-Site WB Dual Analyte Measurement System. The BHB testing is based on the measurement of electrical current generated by the reaction of BHB with the reagent strip. The meter measures the current, calculates the BHB level, and displays the results. The strength of the current produced by the reaction depends on the quantity of BHB in the blood sample.

Method

Enzymatic

Limitations

  • Blood Ketone levels will vary depending on several factors, e.g., food intake, alcohol intake, and conditions such as ketoacidosis. A base value for each person should be established when used for monitoring purposes.
  • This system should not be used on patients in hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis.
  • The test strips are not for use with neonates.

Turnaround Time

STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 Hours

Reference Ranges

Beta-hydroxybutyric acid;  <0.6 mmol/L

Measuring Range 0.1 – 3.0 mmol/L

Reporting Limits 0.1 – 3.0 mmol/L

 

Results displayed as <Lo> by the analyzer are reported as <0.1 mmol/L

Results displayed as <Hi> by the analyzer are reported as >3.0 mmol/L

 

 

Test Schedule

Daily

CPT Codes

82010

LOINC Code

6873-4

IMO Code

IMO-PROC-30984898