Urine Ketones (Acetoacetate, Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, Acetone) 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 can signal your body’s metabolic state and potential health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14140-8
- Short code
- Ketones 5h p chal Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Ketones 5h 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
When and Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. It’s also used to monitor conditions like diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar, or metabolic disorders. Sometimes, it’s part of a routine check for people at risk of ketosis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a small urine sample in a clean container. If you’re pregnant, have kidney issues, or are on certain medications, let your doctor know beforehand.
What the Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than numerical. A positive result means ketones are present in your urine, which may indicate your body is breaking down fats excessively. A negative result means no ketones were detected.
Common Causes of Ketones in Urine
Ketones can appear due to conditions like diabetes (especially type 1), prolonged fasting, low-carb diets, severe illness, or excessive exercise. They can also occur in people with eating disorders or metabolic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High urine ketones can signal metabolic stress, such as uncontrolled diabetes or ketosis. While mild ketosis is common during fasting or low-carb diets, persistent or excessive ketones may require medical attention to prevent complications like ketoacidosis, especially in people with diabetes.
Short name
Urine Ketones
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to check my urine for ketones?
What does a positive urine ketone test mean?
Can I eat or drink anything before the urine 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