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Acetonebldmcnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A blood test that measures acetone levels to evaluate how your body is metabolizing fat for energy.

Quick summary

{"Measures acetone, a type of ketone body produced when fat is broken down","Helps diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious diabetes complication","Also used to assess metabolic status during fasting, low-carb diets, or alcoholism","A simple blood draw is all that is needed for this test","Results are interpreted along with other ketone and metabolic tests"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
9425-0
Short code
Acetone
Synonyms
Acetone Bld-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Gray-top (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) tube or green-top (heparin) tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
1
Critical range
— – 20 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Enzymatic Assay
CPT
80378
SNOMED
104233004
Specimen volume
2-3 mL of whole blood
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Blood Acetone Test measures the amount of acetone in your bloodstream. Acetone is one of three ketone bodies (including beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) that your body produces when it breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose. This typically happens when insulin levels are low, such as in uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged fasting, or when following a very low-carbohydrate diet.

Why is this test performed?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect you have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. It may also be used to monitor people with type 1 diabetes, evaluate unexplained weight loss, assess metabolic status in alcoholism, or check the effectiveness of a ketogenic diet. The test helps doctors understand how well your body is processing fats and whether dangerous levels of ketones have accumulated.

How is the test done?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick and typically takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test, depending on your doctor's instructions.

Understanding your results

Normal acetone levels in blood are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, prolonged fasting, alcoholism, or a very low-carbohydrate diet. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with other tests, including other ketone measurements and blood glucose levels. High acetone levels, especially in people with diabetes, require immediate medical attention.

Are there any risks?

The risks associated with this test are minimal and similar to any routine blood draw. You may experience slight bruising, bleeding, or dizziness. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly. The benefits of obtaining important diagnostic information far outweigh these minor risks.

Reference range

Less than 1.0 mg/dL (normal physiological levels)N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No specific fasting required. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to collection. Inform physician of any medications or supplements being taken.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before the blood acetone test?
Your doctor may ask you to fast for several hours before the test, especially if they are checking for fasting-induced ketone production. However, follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding fasting. If you are testing for diabetic ketoacidosis, fasting is typically not required as the condition produces ketones regardless of food intake.
Can I do this test at home?
While there are home ketone meters available that measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (a different ketone body) in blood, the specific blood acetone test is typically performed in a clinical laboratory. Home ketone meters use different testing methods and measure different parameters. Consult your healthcare provider about appropriate home monitoring options if you have diabetes or need regular ketone checks.
What happens if my acetone levels are high?
High acetone levels, especially when accompanied by high blood glucose and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or confusion, may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment in a hospital setting. Treatment typically involves insulin therapy, intravenous fluids, and electrolyte replacement. Do not ignore high ketone results if you have diabetes—contact your healthcare provider or go to an emergency room immediately.
Are there foods or medications that affect the test results?
Yes, certain factors can influence ketone levels. A ketogenic diet (very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet), prolonged fasting, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase ketone levels. Certain medications such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and some diuretics may also affect results. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and dietary habits before the test.
How is this test different from urine ketone tests?
Blood ketone tests (including acetone, beta-hydroxybutyrate) provide a more accurate and immediate picture of your current ketone status compared to urine tests. Urine tests detect acetoacetate (a different ketone body) that was excreted hours earlier, while blood tests show real-time ketone levels. Blood tests are considered more reliable for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic ketoacidosis.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - KetonesSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource
  3. 3
    American Diabetes Association - DKA (Ketones)Source

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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