BETA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
- Code
- 000.0000
- Name
- BETA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID
- Category
- None
- Department
- Send-Out
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- ß-Hydroxybutyric Acid
- CPT Codes
- 82010
- Site
- SBMF
- Reference Test
- 29184
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
0.02-0.27 mMol/L
- Methodology
Quantitative Enzymatic Assay
Clinical Significance
Ketosis is the accumulation in the body of the ketone bodies: acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (ß-HB). It is a common feature in acutely ill patients, such as those suffering from starvation, acute alcohol abuse, or diabetes mellitus. Ketosis may result in severe, life-threatening metabolic acidosis. The presence and degree of ketosis can be determined by measuring blood levels of ß-HB. Ordinarily, ß-HB is the ketone body present in the greatest amount in serum (approximately 75%). During ketosis, the percentage of ß-HB increases even more, making it a more reliable index of ketoacidosis than the other two ketone bodies. In diabetes, the measurement of ß-HB, as well as serum glucose, is useful for assessment of the severity of diabetic coma. It also helps exclude hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma. Moreover, insulin requirements are often based on the extent of the existing hyperketonemia shown by the blood levels of ß-HB.