Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached epidemic levels, spreading from developed countries to developing countries. The Randox D-3-hydroxybutyrate assay provides a convenient method for the accurate detection of ketones from serum.
The burden on our healthcare systems and epidemiological trends indicate that the prevalence will continue to increase dramatically in the coming years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is estimated to be the seventh leading cause of death globally, with 1.6 million deaths attributed to diabetes in 2016.
Ketosis is a metabolic process that occurs when the body switches from glucose to predominantly fat metabolism for energy production, and happens when carbohydrate availability reaches low levels. The metabolism of fatty acids in the liver results in the production of chemical by-products known as ketone bodies or ketones. Ketosis occurs when the body produces more ketones than the liver can process.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM); however, can also affect individuals with T2DM. The condition is linked to insulin deficiency and occurs when glucose levels are consistently high and insulin levels are severely low. Owing to this imbalance glucose builds up in the blood and the body responds by metabolising fat rather than glucose. DKA is usually one of the first indicators of T1DM.
Blood ketone levels provide valuable information to clinicians, allowing accurate and reliable identification of DKA. D-3-hydroxybutyrate as the most abundant ketone in the body is a more sensitive and specific indicator of DKA compared to other available methods on the market. D-3-hydoxybutyrate measurement enables earlier, more reliable detection of ketosis and allows faster treatment.
D-3-hydoxybutyrate demonstrates superior methodology when compared to other commercially available ketone detection tests. For example, the nitroprusside method used in semi-quantitative dipstick tests only detects acetone and acetoacetate. D-3-hydroxybutyrate is the most abundant ketone produced during ketosis, and measurement of this analyte is more sensitive and specific.
The Randox D-3-hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut) assay provides a convenient method for the accurate detection of ketones from serum. Liquid ready for convenience D-3-hydoxybutyrate has exceptional correlation coefficient of r=0.9954 and an excellent precision of <3.5% CV.
Available for use on a wide range of clinical chemistry analysers, the test is easily automated, delivering quantitative results and allowing levels to be monitored for signs of improvement. This assay is suitable for use in open channels, and can be used with a wide range of clinical chemistry analysers.