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Acetonefldacnc

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

This test measures the amount of acetone in your blood or body fluid to help diagnose and monitor conditions related to ketone production.

Quick summary

{"Measures acetone (a type of ketone) in serum/blood","Used to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Helps evaluate causes of abnormal acid-base balance","Results may be affected by diet, fasting, or alcohol use","Often ordered when someone has symptoms of ketosis"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15146-4
Short code
ACET
Synonyms
Acetone Fld-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
1
Critical range
— – 20 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic method (beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) or Gas Chromatography
CPT
80378
SNOMED
36773001
Specimen volume
1.0-2.0 mL serum
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
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The acetone test measures the level of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood serum or other body fluids. Acetone is produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose. This process, called ketogenesis, typically occurs when there isn't enough insulin to use glucose for energy, such as in diabetes, or when the body is in a state of fasting or extreme carbohydrate restriction.

This test is part of a broader group of tests called ketone tests, which may also include measurements of beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate. The test helps healthcare providers determine if you have abnormal ketone levels, which can indicate serious medical conditions.

Reference range

Negative or < 1 mg/dL (< 0.17 mmol/L)N/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements being taken.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings3

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
Your healthcare provider may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, as eating can temporarily affect ketone levels. Follow your provider's specific instructions. Also, avoid alcohol consumption before the test as it can affect results.
What do high acetone levels mean?
High acetone levels indicate that your body is producing too many ketones. This is often seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency. It can also occur with fasting, very low-carb diets, or alcoholic ketoacidosis. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in context with other tests and your overall health condition.
Is this test painful?
The test requires a blood draw, which may cause brief discomfort or a slight sting when the needle is inserted. The sensation is usually minimal and only lasts a few seconds. After the blood is drawn, you may have a small bruise at the puncture site.
How are the results reported?
Acetone levels may be reported in different units depending on the laboratory, such as mmol/L (millimoles per liter) or mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Your healthcare provider will explain what your specific results mean. Normal values may vary by laboratory.
Can I do this test at home?
While there are home ketone test kits available (typically using urine or finger-prick blood samples), they usually measure different ketone bodies (acetoacetate or beta-hydroxybutyrate) rather than acetone specifically. The serum acetone test ordered by your doctor provides more precise measurements and is used for diagnostic purposes.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - KetonesSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource
  3. 3
    ARUP Consult - Ketone BodiesSource

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