Please note that this site is unsupported on Internet Explorer, and may not function as intended.

We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.

Test & Collection Guide

Pathology staff view

 New search...

Keyword Search:

Test name:

   

Manual search:

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

NUMBER

ALL

PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test


 Recent changes for Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Recent changes for Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Date
Field
Changed From
Changed To
14th January 2025
Assay name

Ketones (Blood)

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Laboratory

Unassigned

Referred Test

Volume (Adults)

1 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume

1 mL

Collection & Request Instructions

Transport ON ICE IMMEDIATELY to lab

Collection & Request Instructions

Take test before correcting hypoglycaemia. Take concurrently with formal glucose, and, ideally, C-peptide. Consider other relevant tests that might be required (e.g. Growth hormone, ACTH)

Frequency

Daily

Twice weekly

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Ordering information:

For the diagnosis of ketoacidosis, this test is done at the patient's bedside using the Optium Blood Glucose Meter (available in all wards).

For use in dynamic endocrine tests - as per protocol and to investigate causes of hypoglycaemia.

Please note that Eastern Health Policy promotes Blood Ketone testing in place of Urine Ketones.

Please click here for the policy regarding Blood Ketone testing.

Alternate names:
beta Hydroxybutyric Acid, Ketones, OH butyrate
Laboratory:
Referred Test
Test Code:
OHBUT
Specimen types:
Serum
Container types:
Serum tube with gelSerum tube with gel
Collection Instructions:
Transport ON ICE IMMEDIATELY to lab

Take test before correcting hypoglycaemia. Take concurrently with formal glucose, and, ideally, C-peptide. Consider other relevant tests that might be required (e.g. Growth hormone, ACTH)

Minimum Adult Volume:
1 mL
Paediatric Minimum Volume:
1 mL
Frequency:
Daily
Result Turnaround Time:
1-2 weeks
Laboratory Use Only

  

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

 

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form  

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide 
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions 

 

Feedback

Eastern Health Pathology values your feedback as an important way to improve our services. Share concerns, suggestions, or compliments via the Eastern Health Feedback Service.