Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

OHB

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0418

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Serum/plasma samples must be separated within 6 hours.

Sample Stability

12 hours at room temperature, 48 hours at 2-8℃, 7 days at -20℃

Associated Tests

Synonyms

Acetone, Ketones, B-hydroxybutyrate, B-OH butyrate, Hydroxybutyrate. Butyrate, OHB, BHB, BOHB

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3.5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer PST Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Heparin Blood

Last updated: 24/07/2026