Ketosis is elevated levels of ketones in the body that occur when stored fats are broken down in response to a low supply of energy (glucose). To improve the detection of clinically significant ketosis the ß-Hydroxybutyrate LiquiColor reagent system was developed. Using this system, levels of the ketone ß-Hydroxybutyrate in serum and plasma can be used to clinically diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, glycogen storage disease, high fat/low carbohydrate diets, pregnancy, alkalosis, ingestion of isopropyl alcohol, and salicylate poisoning. This reagent system produces quantitative and objective results and is suitable for differentiating metabolic acidosis and monitoring therapy.