Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count, or CBC, is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, to give your doctor an overall picture of your health.

The Acetone [Presence] test detects whether acetone and other ketone bodies are present in your blood serum. Ketones are chemicals produced by your liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose (sugar). This test is qualitative, meaning it tells you whether ketones are present (positive) or not present (negative), rather than measuring the exact amount.

Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup or to help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, unexplained bruising, or bleeding, or to monitor a known condition such as anemia or infection.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, and fruity-smelling breath. The test may also be ordered if you have unexplained weight loss, are following a very low-carb diet, or have liver disease.

The test is done with a small sample of blood drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. A needle is inserted, the blood is collected into a tube, and the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis; the procedure takes only a few minutes.

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast for this test unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. The test is quick and generally causes minimal discomfort, similar to any routine blood draw.

Your results will show whether your blood cell counts fall within normal ranges. Values that are too high or too low may point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, and your provider will explain what your specific numbers mean.

Results are typically reported as either 'Positive' (ketones are present) or 'Negative' (ketones are not present). A positive result may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation/keto diet, alcoholism, or liver disease. A negative result is normal and means no significant ketone bodies were detected in your blood at the time of testing.