Urine Ketones (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test checks for the presence of ketones in your urine over a 24-hour period, which can indicate your body is breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose.
["Ketones in urine may signal metabolic issues or dietary changes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25707-1
- Short code
- Ketones 4h p Glc Ur Strip-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Ketones 4h p Glc Ur Strip-mCnc
- 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, starvation, or excessive carbohydrate restriction. It can also help diagnose or manage metabolic disorders or assess how your body responds to certain diets or medications.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means ketones were detected in your urine. This could be due to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes), starvation, prolonged fasting, or excessive exercise. It may also occur with certain diets (e.g., very low-carb or ketogenic diets).
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no ketones were found in your urine sample. This typically suggests your body is using glucose for energy, which is normal under typical dietary conditions. However, if you suspect metabolic issues, further evaluation may still be needed.
What Should You Expect During the Test?
You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample in a container provided by your healthcare team. Follow instructions carefully to ensure accuracy. The sample is then tested in a lab for the presence of ketones.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Ketones in Urine
Short name
Urine Ketones
Frequently asked questions
Ketones in urine are often a sign of **ketosis**, where the body produces excess ketones as a byproduct of fat metabolism. While mild ketosis can occur with normal diets, high levels may signal underlying health concerns, such as uncontrolled diabetes, malnutrition, or metabolic disorders. Early detection can prompt timely medical intervention.
Contact your provider immediately if you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or confusion—especially if you have diabetes or a history of metabolic issues. High ketone levels can be dangerous and require medical attention.
If you’re following a very low-carb or ketogenic diet, your provider may recommend monitoring ketone levels periodically (e.g., every few weeks) to ensure your body is metabolizing fat effectively and to avoid potential risks like ketoacidosis.
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