A Micro-method for the Enzymatic Determination of Acetoacetate and 3-Hydroxybutyrate in Blood and Urine

Abstract

An enzymatic micro-method for the determination of acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate in blood and urine is described. 150 μl blood or urine is needed for the analysis of each ketone body. Interference was not found from lactate, malate, pyruvate, or oxaloacetate with either the acetoacetate or 3-hydroxybutyrate determination. The addition of lactate or malate dehydrogenase is therefore unnecessary. The significance of the pH of the reaction mixture is discussed. The analysis is well-suited for routine use.

Key Words:

• Acetoacetate
• 3-hydroxybutyrate
• ketone bodies