The storage stability of 3-hydroxybutyrate in serum, plasma, and whole blood.

The storage stability of 3-hydroxybutyrate in whole blood, serum, and plasma was evaluated. The levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate were measured using an enzymatic rate reaction of the specific 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase with the NAD-NADH coupled reaction. 3-Hydroxybutyrate was found to be a stable analyte in whole blood, plasma, and serum. The long-term stability of beta-hydroxybutyrate allows ample time for separation of blood components and offers storage of samples to meet quality control needs as well as the possibility of mailing specimens. Further studies indicate that NaF plasma, heparin plasma, and serum are the preferred specimens, because both EDTA and oxalate showed the most significant interference with the determination of 3-hydroxybutyrate.