# β-Hydroxybutyrate

> This test measures the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate, the primary ketone produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of sugar. It helps show if your body is accumulating dangerous levels of ketones, which can happen when there is not enough insulin. Doctors use this result to help identify or rule out diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes. However, this test does not detect other specific ketones like acetone and cannot diagnose the underlying cause of the chemical imbalance on its own.

- Labcorp code: 503610
- Category: [Heart & Metabolic](https://app.picardo.health/labs/tests/heart-metabolic.md)
- Price: shown at checkout, before payment.
- Blood draw: free at a Labcorp location, or $75.00 at home.
- Order link: https://app.picardo.health/labs/order?tests=503610&ref=assistant

## About ordering

A licensed physician reviews every order before any test is run, and results arrive in the person's Picardo account. Ordering is open to adults 18 and over in the US, except New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maine. General health information, not medical advice.