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Laboratory Test Reference Guide

Laboratory Information

Test Name

Beta Hydroxybutyrate

Synonyms

Ketones

External Price (excl. GST)

17.5

Specimen Collection

Adult Specimen

Heparin (light green), SST (gold)

Paediatric Specimen

0.3 ml Heparin (light green) or Plain(red).

Test Information

Department

Biochemistry

Test Availability

Mon - Sun, 24hrs

Laboratory Turnaround Time

3 hrs

Method

Cobas Pro enzymatic

Unit of measurement

mmol/L

Reference interval

<0.3 mmol/L ( overnight fast)

Uncertainty of measurement

15% at 0.29 mmol/L and 10% at 1.25 mmol/L

Diagnostic Use Or Instructions

Ketosis is a common finding in all cases of moderate to severe illness.
Of particular interest however is the ketosis that develops as a complication of Diabetes Mellitus.
OHB is far more sensitive indicator of this.
Often increases will be seen in normal people who are dieting or undergoing exercise.

Additional Information

Ketones include acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid and acetone. The relative proportions of all ketones depend on the severity of the ketosis and the availability of NADH for metabolism. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (OHB) can be added up to 4 hrs post collection.

Minimum Volume

0.1 mL serum or plasma

Electronic Information

Registration Code

OHB

HL7 mapping code

$OHB