Skip to content

Acetonespecscnc

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

The acetone blood test measures the level of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood to help diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Quick summary

{"This test measures acetone (a ketone) in your blood to check for diabetic ketoacidosis","High levels may indicate diabetes complications, fasting, or metabolic disorders","The test requires a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm","Results help doctors monitor diabetes control and guide treatment decisions"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32292-5
Short code
ACET
Synonyms
Acetone Spec-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
— – 8 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzymatic assay (beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
CPT
80378
SNOMED
87812009
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
20
TAT
1–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The acetone blood test measures the amount of acetone, a ketone body, in your serum (the liquid part of your blood). Ketones are chemicals produced by your body when it breaks down fat for energy instead of using sugar (glucose). Normally, only small amounts of ketones are present in the blood.

Why do I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes and are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication. DKA occurs when ketone levels become dangerously high, making your blood too acidic. The test may also be ordered if you have symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, or fruity-smelling breath, which can indicate high ketone levels.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick and usually takes only a few minutes. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but this is typically minor.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fasting or medication adjustments. You may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, as some may affect test results. Stay well-hydrated unless otherwise instructed.

Reference range

Reference range: <0.5 mmol/L (normal/undetectable). Slightly elevated: 0.5-2.0 mmol/L. Moderately elevated: 2.0-5.0 mmol/L. Significantly elevated: >5.0 mmol/L indicates ketoacidosis.N/A

Specimen: serum

No specific fasting required. Inform laboratory of current medications, especially insulin, metformin, or SGLT2 inhibitors. Avoid strenuous exercise before sample collection as this may transiently increase ketone levels.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

What do abnormal results mean?
High acetone (ketone) levels suggest that your body is using fat for energy instead of glucose, which can occur in diabetic ketoacidosis, fasting, or metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other test results. Very high levels require immediate medical attention.
Is the test painful?
You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Some people may experience mild bruising or soreness afterward, but these side effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly.
How often should I have this test?
The frequency depends on your individual health condition. If you have diabetes, especially Type 1, your doctor may recommend regular ketone testing, particularly when you are ill, pregnant, or experiencing high blood sugar levels. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.
Can I test for ketones at home?
Yes, at-home ketone test kits are available. These typically use blood from a finger prick or urine sample. However, home tests may not be as accurate as laboratory blood tests. Discuss with your doctor whether home monitoring is appropriate for you and how to interpret the results.
What happens if my ketone levels are high?
If your test shows high ketone levels, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may need treatment in a hospital setting with intravenous fluids, insulin, and electrolyte replacement. Do not ignore high ketone levels, as DKA can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Ketone Bodies TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource
  3. 3
    American Diabetes Association - DKA (Ketones)Source

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