What does this LOINC code represent?

This LOINC code identifies a lab observation, measurement, question, or clinical concept in a standardized format.

Is this enough to understand my test result?

No. The code identifies the test or observation, but the interpretation depends on the actual result, reference range, and clinical context.

LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 1946-3: Beta hydroxybutyrate (CSF) [Mass/Vol]

Name: LOINC Code 1946-3: Beta hydroxybutyrate (CSF) [Mass/Vol]
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-25T17:13:11.347Z

1946-3 is a LOINC code used to identify Beta hydroxybutyrate (CSF) [Mass/Vol] in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Beta hydroxybutyrate. It is commonly used with the system or sample type CSF.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 25 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Beta hydroxybutyrate. It is commonly used with the system or sample type CSF.

When is it used?

Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
Status: ACTIVE
Order vs observation: Both

What it does not mean

The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

Beta hydroxybutyrate [Mass/volume] in Cerebral spinal fluid
Beta hydroxybutyrate
3-hydroxybutyrate; 3-hydroxybutyric acid; B; Beta hydroxy butyrate; Beta hydroxybutyric acid; Betahydroxybutyrate; Betahydroxybutyric acid; BHB; BOHB; B-OH-Butyr; Cerebral spinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fl; Chemistry; Hydroxybutyric acid; Level; Mass concentration; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Spinal Fl; Spinal Fld; Spinal Flu; Spinal Fluid

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Related SNOMED CT concepts

705114005SNOMED CT mapping for Beta hydroxybutyrate (CSF) [Mass/Vol] (1946-3)

Related observations and tests

SNOMED_CT 705114005high

LOINC Code System

Source: LOINC-SNOMED cooperation package

Common synonyms

Beta hydroxybutyrate (CSF) [Mass/Vol]Beta hydroxybutyrate [Mass/volume] in Cerebral spinal fluidB-OH-Butyr CSF-mCncBeta hydroxybutyrateCHEMBeta hydroxybutyrate, Spinal fluidMCnc

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code1946-3

SystemLOINC

Display nameBeta hydroxybutyrate (CSF) [Mass/Vol]

DescriptionBeta hydroxybutyrate

Short nameB-OH-Butyr CSF-mCnc

ComponentBeta hydroxybutyrate

PropertyMCnc

TimingPt

System (specimen)CSF

ScaleQn

ClassCHEM

Example unitsmg/dL

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released1.0

Last changed2.73

Consumer names

Beta hydroxybutyrate, Spinal fluid

Part names

Beta hydroxybutyrateMCncPtCSFQnMass ConcentrationPoint in time (spot)Cerebral spinal fluid

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.