Serum/plasma samples must be separated within 6 hours. Separated specimens are
Sample stability:
- 12 hours at room temperature
- 48 hours at 2-8 0 C
- 7 days at -20 0 C.
Units: mmol/L
After overnight fast, levels are usually <0.3 mmol/L.
After a 72h fast, levels range from 1 to 8 mmol/L in normal subjects.
Levels from 2 to 20 mmol/L are seen in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Uncertainty of Measurement: 8%
Principle: Colorimetric
Reagents: Randox RANBUT B-Hydroxybutyrate kit
Analyser: Cobas c502
Betahydroxybutyrate is the prinicipal ketone in plasma. It is used for monitoring the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, and for detecting ketosis during fasting or hypoglycemia.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate is not detected by the dipstick test for ketones (which detects only acetoacetic acid).
See Ketones - urine
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427