Acetoneairmcnc
The acetone blood test measures acetone levels in your blood to help diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis and metabolic disorders.
{"Measures acetone (a ketone body) concentration in blood serum","Used to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Helps evaluate metabolic conditions and liver function","Results are interpreted alongside other ketone tests and clinical symptoms","Abnormal levels may indicate serious medical conditions requiring prompt treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38585-6
- Short code
- ACET-AIR
- Synonyms
- Acetone Air-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red top serum separator tube (SST) or gray top tube with sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or enzymatic assay
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C if analysis within 24 hours; freeze at -20°C or below for longer storage
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The acetone blood test measures the amount of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood serum. Acetone is produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose. This typically happens when there isn't enough insulin in the body or when you haven't eaten for an extended period.
Why is it performed?
This test is primarily ordered to: (1) Diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes; (2) Evaluate unexplained metabolic acidosis; (3) Assess fasting or starvation states; (4) Monitor patients with poorly controlled diabetes; (5) Help differentiate between various causes of altered mental status.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, depending on your doctor's instructions. It's important to follow any pre-test guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your results
Normal blood acetone levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels (ketonemia) may indicate: diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting or starvation, a very low-carbohydrate diet, alcoholism, certain metabolic disorders, or liver disease. Your doctor will interpret results in context of your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings.
Reference range
Negative or not detected. Reference range may vary by laboratory methodology.N/A
No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any medications, supplements, or recent alcohol consumption that may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the acetone test?
What happens if my acetone levels are high?
Is the test painful?
Can I monitor acetone at home?
How is this test different from urine ketone tests?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - KetonesSource
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy