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Acetone in Urine (Qualitative Ketone Test via Dipstick)

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

This test detects the presence of ketones, a byproduct of fat breakdown, in your urine. Ketones can appear when your body uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, which may happen with certain diets, illness, or metabolic conditions.

Quick summary

["Ketones in urine can signal potential health concerns or dietary changes."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12450-3
Short code
Ketones 2h p chal Ur Strip-mCnc
Synonyms
Ketones 2h p chal Ur Strip-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
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 Might This Test Be Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes), starvation, severe vomiting, or prolonged fasting. It can also help monitor dietary changes, such as those in ketogenic diets.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small urine sample is collected in a clean container. A special dipstick is dipped into the urine, and the strip changes color if ketones are present. The results are usually available immediately after urination or within minutes.

What Do the Results Mean?

The dipstick test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you if ketones are present (positive) or not (negative). It does not measure the exact amount of ketones. Positive results may need further evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Positive Results

Positive results can occur due to conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, starvation, severe dehydration, prolonged vomiting, or certain metabolic disorders. It can also appear with certain medications or dietary practices.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Ketones in Urine (Dipstick)

Frequently asked questions

What are ketones, and why do they appear in urine?
Ketones are chemical compounds produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. Normally, ketones are present in small amounts in urine, but higher levels can appear due to metabolic stress, dietary changes, or underlying health conditions.
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
For a routine urine ketone test, you may eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. If this test is part of a specific diet or monitoring plan (like a ketogenic diet), follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
How long does it take to get the results?
The results are typically available immediately after urination or within minutes, as the dipstick test is a quick, on-the-spot assessment. If further testing is needed, results may take longer depending on lab procedures.
  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