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24-Hour Urine Ketones (Acetone, Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, Acetoacetate)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of ketones in your urine over a 24-hour period. Ketones are chemical compounds produced when your body breaks down fat for energy, often seen in conditions like diabetes or starvation.

Quick summary

["Ketones in urine can signal your body’s metabolic state and potential health concerns."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33043-1
Short code
Ketones 24h Ur Ql
Synonyms
Ketones 24h Ur Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 check for excessive ketone production, which can happen with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged fasting, or metabolic disorders. It helps monitor whether your body is using fat as its primary energy source instead of glucose.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting your urine for 24 hours in a sterile container. You’ll typically start and end the collection at the same time each day, discarding the first morning urine and saving the rest until the next morning.

How the Test Works

The collected urine is analyzed to measure the total ketone content, which includes acetone, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate. This total is compared against expected values to determine if ketones are present in abnormal amounts.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal ketone levels may indicate metabolic stress, such as ketosis from diabetes, starvation, or other metabolic conditions. Low or absent levels suggest your body is using glucose efficiently.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24h Urine Ketones

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated ketone levels in urine?
Elevated ketone levels can result from conditions like poorly controlled diabetes, prolonged fasting, severe illness, or excessive exercise. They may also appear during pregnancy or in response to certain medications.
How often should I get this test?
Your healthcare provider will determine the frequency based on your health status, treatment plan, and any underlying conditions. Follow their instructions for follow-up testing.
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
Alcohol can sometimes affect ketone levels, so it’s best to avoid it for a few days before the test unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy