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Blood Sciences

Blood Test Information

Beta-hydroxybutyrate
(a.k.a 3-hydroxybutyrate)
minimum sample volume required ~ 2.5ml

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Test Code: OHB

Tube type: Fluoride

Special instructions
Send to laboratory immediately along with with a paired glucose and free fatty acids.
For investigation of hypoglycaemia samples should be taken during a hypoglycaemic episode and, if clinically safe to do so, before giving glucose.


Sent away to Southmead Hospital
Contact Laboratory before requesting

Reference range
<0.30 (fasting)

Units
mmol/L

Linked to
FFA

Turnaround Time
7 days

Department: Biochemistry

Clinical Application
Low levels seen in hypoglycaemia due to hyperinsulinaemia and disordered fatty acid metabolism.

Elevated in ketoacidosis, but note long turnaround time for this analysis can make it unhelpful in differential diagnosis of metabolic acidosis.

Webpage updated: March 2024.

 
 

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