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Urine Ketone Body Screening (Qualitative)

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

This test checks for the presence of ketone bodies in your urine, which may indicate your body is burning fat instead of glucose for energy. Ketones can appear when your diet is very low in carbohydrates, during fasting, or in conditions like diabetes.

Quick summary

["Ketones in urine can signal metabolic changes that may need medical attention."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14139-0
Short code
Ketones 4h p chal Ur Ql
Synonyms
Ketones 4h p chal 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 This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or vomiting. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like diabetes, eating disorders, or prolonged fasting to ensure your body is handling energy sources properly.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll likely provide a small urine sample in a clean container, often collected at home or during a routine office visit. If ordered as part of a 24-hour urine collection, follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accuracy.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported as positive (ketones present) or negative (no ketones detected). Positive results may prompt further testing or adjustments to your diet, medication, or treatment plan, depending on your medical history and symptoms.

Common Causes of Positive Results

Ketones in urine can occur due to low-carbohydrate diets, starvation, severe illness, or uncontrolled diabetes. They may also appear during pregnancy or in response to certain medications.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Ketones

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat or drink before this test?
No specific dietary restrictions apply unless your provider has instructed otherwise. However, if this test is part of a 24-hour urine collection, follow their guidance on fluid and food intake.
What does a positive result mean for my health?
A positive result means ketones were detected in your urine. This could indicate your body is using fat for energy, which may be normal in some cases (e.g., low-carb diets) but requires evaluation if symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or confusion persist. Your provider will discuss next steps based on your situation.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your medical condition and provider’s recommendations. For example, people with diabetes may test regularly, while others may only need it occasionally. Follow your healthcare team’s advice for timing and frequency.
  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