Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (β-Hydroxybutyric Acid) Concentration
This test measures the level of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body produced by your body when it uses fat for energy instead of glucose.
["Ketones help your body manage energy during fasting or metabolic stress."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32323-8
- Short code
- Ketones Spec-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Ketones Spec-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may check β-hydroxybutyrate levels if you have symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like diabetes, ketoacidosis, or metabolic disorders where ketone production is abnormal.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before testing, especially if your doctor suspects diabetic ketoacidosis or another metabolic issue. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body in your blood.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, or certain metabolic disorders. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest inadequate fat metabolism or other metabolic challenges. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated β-hydroxybutyrate levels can signal dangerous metabolic imbalances, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening complication of diabetes) or starvation-induced ketosis. It’s also a key marker in managing conditions like ketoacidosis in people with type 1 diabetes or during therapeutic ketogenic diets. Low levels may warrant further investigation into metabolic efficiency or dietary factors.
Short name
β-Hydroxybutyrate
Frequently asked questions
What causes β-hydroxybutyrate levels to rise?
What are the normal ranges for β-hydroxybutyrate?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy