Acetoneserplscnc
A test that measures acetone levels in your blood to check for conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.
{"Measures acetone (a ketone) in blood serum or plasma","Helps diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and other metabolic conditions","High levels indicate your body is breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose","Sample is drawn from a vein in your arm","Results help doctors monitor diabetes and metabolic health"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14582-1
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Critical range
- — – 3 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzymatic (beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) or Headspace Gas Chromatography
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 398060006
- 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. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The acetone blood test measures the amount of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your serum or plasma. Acetone is produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose (sugar). This process is called ketogenesis and typically occurs when insulin levels are too low, such as in uncontrolled diabetes, or when the body is fasting.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, or fruity-smelling breath. It may also be used to monitor known diabetes, evaluate unexplained metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood), or check for other conditions that cause elevated ketone levels.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test, as directed by your doctor.
What do the results mean?
Normal acetone levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious diabetes complication), alcoholic ketoacidosis, starvation ketosis, or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, symptoms, and other test results.
Reference range
Negative/Not detected (<0.5 mmol/L). Slightly elevated: 0.5-1.0 mmol/L. Moderately elevated: 1.0-3.0 mmol/L. Significantly elevated: >3.0 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any medications, especially metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin. Report any recent fasting or dietary changes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
Is the test painful?
What happens if my acetone levels are high?
Can I monitor ketones at home?
Are there risks to having this test?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - KetonesSource
- 2
- 3
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy