Urine Ketones (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test checks for the presence of ketones in your urine over a full day. Ketones are chemical byproducts that can appear when your body breaks down fat for energy, often seen in conditions like diabetes or starvation.
["Ketones in urine can signal your body is using fat as fuel instead of glucose, which may need medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63371-9
- Short code
- Ketones 1h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Ketones 1h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- test-strip
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor conditions like diabetes, where ketones can build up due to poor blood sugar control. It’s also used in cases of unexplained weight loss, vomiting, or dehydration to check for metabolic issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow normally. Avoid certain foods or drinks (like high-fat or high-protein meals) that might affect ketone levels, but check with your doctor first.
What Happens During the Test?
After collecting your urine, it’s sent to a lab. The test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether ketones are present (positive) or not (negative), rather than measuring exact amounts.
What Are the Possible Results?
A positive result (ketones detected) may mean your body is breaking down fat excessively, which could be linked to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, fasting, or other metabolic disorders. A negative result means no ketones were found in your urine.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High urine ketones can indicate serious health concerns, such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe illness, or inadequate nutrition. While ketones alone don’t diagnose a condition, they often prompt further testing (like blood glucose checks) to investigate underlying causes. Always discuss results with your doctor.
Short name
Urine Ketones (24h)
Frequently asked questions
What causes ketones to appear in urine?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy