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Acetonefldscnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test measures the amount of acetone (a type of ketone body) in your blood serum to help diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Quick summary

{"Measures acetone levels in blood serum","Helps diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis and other metabolic conditions","High levels may indicate improper glucose metabolism","Sample collected through blood draw","Results help doctors monitor treatment effectiveness"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50800-2
Short code
ACET
Synonyms
Acetone Fld-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
0.5
Critical range
— – 6 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic assay or Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
CPT
80378
SNOMED
36773002
Specimen volume
1.0 mL serum minimum
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Acetone test measures the concentration of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood serum. Ketone bodies are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose. This can happen when there isn't enough insulin to process glucose, or during prolonged fasting or excessive alcohol consumption.

During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where the acetone concentration is measured. The results help your doctor understand how your body is metabolizing energy.

Reference range

< 0.5 mmol/L (typical reference range for serum acetone)N/A

Specimen: serum

No specific fasting required. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to collection as it may affect ketone body levels. Inform healthcare provider of any current medications, especially metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need an acetone test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, or confusion), if you have diabetes and need to monitor your condition, or if you show signs of metabolic disorders. It helps confirm whether your body is producing too many ketone bodies.
What do high acetone levels mean?
High acetone levels usually indicate that your body is using fat for energy instead of glucose. This is commonly seen in uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting, or severe alcohol consumption. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and other test results.
Is fasting required before the test?
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fasting. Some tests may require fasting for 8-12 hours, while others can be done without special preparation. Always inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or dietary restrictions before the test.
How is this test different from a urine ketone test?
This blood test measures acetone levels directly in your serum, providing a more accurate and current reading of ketone levels in your bloodstream. Urine tests detect ketones that have been excreted, which may reflect ketone levels from hours earlier rather than your current status.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Ketone Bodies TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource

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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy