Glucose (POCT)

Overview
Department	POCT
Test Code	N/A
Synonyms	Ketones, blood  Β-Hydroxybutyrate(3-OHBA)
Availability	Ketone Meters are available for loan to areas of the hospital that do not have their own meter. The Ketone meters must be returned to the Laboratory after use for others to use and QC.
Turnaround Time	As and when the Ketone meters are available. Results once tested - 10 seconds
Stability – Add test	N/A
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Whole Blood
Preferred	Finger Stab - Droplet of Whole blood
Acceptable	Blood Gas, Purple top (EDTA), 0.6 µL capillary sample collected directly onto a Statstrip test strip
Unacceptable	Samples older than 4 hours Neonate samples Separated samples
Minimum Volume	0.6 µL whole blood
Specimen Collection and Transportation	Clean and dry patients' hand and wipe away the first drop of blood.
Test Information
Test Method	Nova StatStrip Xpress 1/2 handheld device and Ketone StatStrip
Unit of Measurement	mmol/L
Reference Intervals	<0.3 mmol/L
Uncertainty of measurement	N/A
Additional Information	Ketones include acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid and acetone. The relative proportions of all ketones depend on the severity of the ketosis and the availability of NADH for metabolism. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (OHB) can be added up to 4 hrs pos.
Comments
Quick user guides for testing should be available with the meters Ketone All procedures, worksheets and competency checklist for sig off are available to all Health NZ Staff

Owner	PChung
Last reviewed	01.10.2025
Next review	01.10.2026 (OK)