β-HB is used to aid the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with ketosis (also known as ketoacidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA). Ketosis occurs when the body begins to break down its stored fats in response to a low supply of energy (glucose). This process produces the ketone β-HB, which is further catabolized into acetoacetate and then into acetone.

As metabolic decompensation progresses, the concentrations of the ketones changes with β-HB accounting for 78% of all ketones in the body. This dynamic shift is why β-HB  is the most useful biochemical parameter for indicating patient’s condition before and after treatment. For this reason, it is a more appropriate test than traditional nitroprusside tests for acetoacetate and acetone.

The STAT-Site® WB meter uses two different strips to provide results in just ten seconds for β-ketones and five seconds for glucose allowing for clear and comprehensive management of diabetes patients displaying early symptoms of ketosis to be quickly treated and then monitored on a regular basis.