Endpoint

Serum beta-hydroxybutyrate

Butyric acid substituted in the beta or 3 position. It is one of the ketone bodies produced in the liver.

Definition from MeSH (D020155), National Library of Medicine, read 2026-09-23. NLM revises MeSH; this copy may not reflect its current record.

CAT:outcome/serum-beta-hydroxybutyratereported in mmol/L

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How it is measured

Serum, plasma or capillary whole-blood beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration by enzymatic assay or point-of-care ketone meter. Time since the last dose and fasting state are recorded with each finding; the excursion after medium-chain triglyceride or ketone-ester dosing peaks within 60 to 120 minutes and a fasted trough measures something else entirely.