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Acetone in Urine (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test checks for the presence of acetone in your urine over a 24-hour period, which can indicate your body is breaking down fats for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Quick summary

["Ketones in urine may signal metabolic issues like diabetes or starvation."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12448-7
Short code
Ketones p fast Ur Strip-mCnc
Synonyms
Ketones p fast Ur Strip-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
test-strip
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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?

Doctors may order this test to monitor conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, uncontrolled diabetes, or other metabolic disorders where fat metabolism is abnormal. It can also help assess dietary changes or response to treatment.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

A positive result means acetone was detected in your urine. This can happen when your body produces more ketones than it can use, often due to low blood sugar, fasting, or certain medical conditions.

What Does a Negative Result Mean?

A negative result means no acetone was found in your urine sample. However, this does not rule out low levels of ketones in your blood, which may not appear in urine tests.

How Is This Test Performed?

You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample, typically starting after the first morning void and continuing until the next morning. The sample is tested for acetone using a chemical strip that changes color if ketones are present.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Ketones (Qualitative)

Frequently asked questions

How often should I expect to take this test?
This test is usually done once or twice a year for monitoring purposes, depending on your medical condition. Your doctor may schedule it more frequently if you have ongoing health concerns.
What should I do if I get a positive result?
If your test shows ketones, your doctor may recommend adjusting your diet, increasing fluids, or checking blood sugar levels more closely. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or confusion.
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally before collecting your urine sample, but avoid caffeine or alcohol, as they may affect the test results.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy