| Ordering Code | 5517 |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Beta-Hydroxybutyrate |
| Alias | BHB Serum Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Beta-hydroxy Butyric Acid, Serum Serum B-hydroxybutyrate Ketone Bodies |
| Preferred Specimen | Plasma |
| Preferred Container | Lithium Heparin PST (Green) |
| Other Specimen/Container | Serum in SST (Gold), Serum in Plain (Red), Plasma in Lithium Heparin (Dark Green-PP No Gel) |
| Optimum Volume | 1 mL |
| Collection Instructions | Available STAT: Patients of the testing hospital only. |
| Handling Instructions | All specimen types must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. If not gel separation present in tube and testing is delayed, plasma/serum is aliquoted from cells within 2 hours of collection. |
| Transport Requirements | Oahu: Refrigerated Airline: Refrigerated |
| Specimen Stability | Refrigerated: 7 Days |
| Rejection Criteria | Grossly hemolyzed, Insufficient quantity, Specimen older than stability limits |
| Avail. Stat | Patients of the testing hospital only |
| Analytic Time | 1 Day |
| Methodology | Photometric B-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase |
Reference range(s)
The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of March 10, 2026.
| Component | Age | Male Norm | Male Critical Low | Male Critical High | Female Norm | Female Critical High | Female Critical Low | Units | Add'l info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | ALL | 0.02-0.27 | 0.02-0.27 | mmol/L |