Acetonetmurmcnc
A urine test that measures acetone levels to help monitor ketone production in the body.
{"Acetone is a ketone body produced when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose","This test is commonly used to monitor diabetes and detect diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Positive results may indicate diabetes complications, fasting, or a ketogenic diet","The test involves collecting a urine sample for laboratory analysis","Results are reported qualitatively (positive/negative) rather than as a numeric value"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35665-9
- Short code
- ACETONE
- Synonyms
- Acetone ?Tm Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container (plastic or glass)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzymatic or colorimetric assay
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 271588005
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine acetone test measures the amount of acetone (a type of ketone body) in your urine. Ketones are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy, which typically happens when there isn't enough insulin to use glucose (sugar) for fuel, or when you haven't eaten for an extended period.
Why is it done?
This test is primarily used to: (1) Monitor ketone levels in people with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes; (2) Help detect diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes; (3) Check ketone levels during illness or pregnancy in diabetic patients; and (4) Sometimes used to assess compliance with or effectiveness of a ketogenic diet.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. The collection can be done at home or in a healthcare setting. For the most accurate results, it's best to collect the first morning urine sample, as it provides the most concentrated sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported as either negative (normal) or positive. A negative result means no detectable ketones were found in your urine, which is the normal state. A positive result indicates the presence of ketones, which may require further evaluation by your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Negative or <1 mg/dL (<17.4 µmol/L)N/A
No fasting required. Collect random urine sample. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements that may affect ketone metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
Can I do this test at home?
What does a positive result mean?
How often should I test for urine ketones?
Are there medications that affect this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3Mayo Clinic - KetonuriaSource
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy