Acetoacetate in urine (qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of ketones, a byproduct of fat breakdown, in your urine. Ketones can appear when your body uses fat for energy instead of glucose, often due to conditions like diabetes or fasting.
["Ketones in urine may signal your body isn’t getting enough glucose for energy, which can be a sign of metabolic issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63373-5
- Short code
- Ketones 4h p Glc Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Ketones 4h 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 Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor conditions like diabetes, starvation, or prolonged vomiting. It can also help diagnose or manage metabolic disorders or check for ketosis, especially in people with type 1 diabetes.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely be asked to collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container. No special preparation is usually needed, but follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What the Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive or negative). A positive result means ketones are present in your urine, which may indicate your body is breaking down fat for energy. A negative result means no ketones were detected.
Common Conditions Linked to Ketone Detection
High levels of ketones in urine can be linked to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes), starvation, severe vomiting, or prolonged fasting. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Ketones in urine can signal your body’s metabolic state, particularly when glucose levels are low or when fat metabolism is increased. This is especially important for people with diabetes or those managing dietary changes.
Short name
Urine Ketones (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
What causes ketones to appear in urine?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink before this 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