Ketones blood | KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Specimen Container	Lithium Heparin tube. Please collect tube from DPLM Client Services. Note: A dedicated blood sample is required. Do not use the same sample for other tests.
Specimen Requirement	Adult: 2 mL whole blood Paediatrics and Neonate: 0.2 mL whole blood Proper mixing is essential for reliable results. Invert the tube 10 times immediately after collection to ensure thorough mixing of anti-coagulant with the blood. Sample should be sent to the laboratory immediately after collection
Orderable as Urgent?	Yes
Turn Around Time	Average 30 mins ( 25 - 35 mins )
Reference Value(s)	Whole Blood: >1st month: 0- 0.6 mmol/L Critical Value: >1.5 mmol/L
Testing Laboratory Location	KKH
Laboratory	Clinical Chemistry
Contact Number	6394 1383
Day and Time Performed	Daily, 24 hrs
Orderable on CPOE?	Yes
Downtime Form	Clinical Chemistry Form A
Additional Information	NB: Measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) only. Of the 3 ketones bodies in blood (BHB, acetoacetate and acetone), BHB is the most important. Blood BHB measurement is the preferred method for diagnosis and monitoring of ketosis.

Change History Notes

Last Updated - 18 Aug 2026