Test Name
D-3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE (KETONE)
Aliases
BETA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE
Abbreviations
3-OHB, BHB, BOHB
Test Classification
INDIVIDUAL
Department
ROUTINE CHEMISTRY
Sub Department
-
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
7
TAT Units
DAYS
Test Requirements
1mL serum. Keep refrigerated or frozen (preferred).
Clinical Utility
Diagnosis or monitoring of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other ketotic states.
1. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - Diagnosis and monitoring treatment.
2. Diabetes management - Assessing insulin adequacy and glucose control.
3. Ketogenic diet monitoring - Confirming nutritional ketosis.
4. Starvation/fasting states - Evaluating metabolic adaptation.
5. Pediatric metabolic disorders - Screening inborn errors of metabolism.
6. Emergency assessment - Differential diagnosis of altered mental status and metabolic acidosis.
Last Review
26th Feb 2026