Acetonetissmcnt
This test measures acetone levels in your blood to help monitor diabetes and detect a serious condition called ketoacidosis.
{"Measures acetone (a ketone body) in blood/serum","Used to monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Helps assess metabolic control in diabetes","Elevated levels may indicate a medical emergency","Part of routine diabetes management"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21049-2
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone Tiss-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 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 (Ketone body analysis)
- SNOMED
- 313334006 (Acetone measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL venous blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The acetone blood test measures the amount of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood. Ketones are chemicals produced by your liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. This test is typically performed on a blood sample (serum) collected from a vein in your arm.
Why do I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, to monitor for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication that occurs when ketone levels become dangerously high. The test may also be ordered if you have symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, or abdominal pain.
How should I prepare?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding fasting before the test. Certain medications and conditions may affect test results, so inform your provider about all medications you are taking. The test requires only a simple blood draw, which carries minimal risks.
Understanding your results
Normal acetone levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting, a low-carbohydrate diet, or other metabolic conditions. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
Negative or not detected (<1.0 mg/g tissue equivalent in serum: <0.2 mmol/L)N/A
No special preparation required. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to collection as it may affect ketone body metabolism. Inform physician of any fasting state or ketogenic diet.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
What happens if my acetone levels are high?
Can diet affect my acetone levels?
How often should I have this test?
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