Acetonefldmcnc
This test measures the level of acetone (a type of ketone body) in your blood or other body fluids.
{"Measures acetone levels in serum or body fluids","Helps diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Used to evaluate metabolic disorders and fasting states","Results indicate how well your body is using fat for energy","Abnormal levels may require immediate medical attention"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16311-3
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone Fld-mCnc
- 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
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzymatic
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 414568004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acetone test measures the amount of acetone, a ketone body, in your blood serum or other body fluids. Ketone bodies are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose. This test helps healthcare providers understand how your body is metabolizing energy.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes and are at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition where high ketone levels make your blood too acidic. It may also be used to monitor people on ketogenic diets, those fasting for extended periods, or patients with certain metabolic disorders.
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. No special preparation is usually required, but follow your doctor's instructions regarding fasting or medication adjustments before the test.
What do the results mean?
Normal acetone levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting, a very low-carbohydrate diet, alcoholism, or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
Negative or <1.0 mg/dL (<0.17 mmol/L)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient may fast overnight for accurate ketone body assessment. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours before specimen collection. Inform physician of any medications including insulin, metformin, or sodium bicarbonate
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before the test?
What are the symptoms of high ketone levels?
How is high acetone treated?
Can diet affect my acetone levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy