Special Precautions/Comments:

Unstable sample, please send to laboratory urgently for analysis.

Additional Information:

Blood ketone analysis is used in the investigation of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, there is insufficient insulin to push glucose into cells to be used. Therefore, lipids are used as an alternative energy source which results in the accumulation of toxic acids known as ketones. This can result in ketoacidosis, which may be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated urgently. 

Measuring ketones in the blood is superior to measuring it in urine because it is more reliable and can be detected sooner. The ketone body measured is beta-hydroxybutyrate (also known as 3-hydroxybutric acid).