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Acetone in Urine (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the presence of acetone, a chemical produced when your body breaks down fat for energy, often seen in conditions like diabetes or starvation.

Quick summary

["Check for fat metabolism issues or uncontrolled blood sugar."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
49779-2
Short code
Ketones Ur-mCnc
Synonyms
Ketones Ur-mCnc
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 Matters

Acetone in urine can signal your body is using fat as fuel instead of glucose, which may happen if you have poorly controlled diabetes, eat very little, or experience prolonged stress (e.g., illness). It’s also a marker of ketosis, a natural process that can occur during low-carb diets or fasting.

Common Causes

Conditions like type 1 or type 2 diabetes (especially if blood sugar is high), severe dehydration, starvation, or prolonged vomiting/diarrhea can lead to elevated acetone levels. Rarely, it may appear in metabolic disorders or during extreme exercise.

What to Expect During Testing

Your urine sample is typically collected in a clean container. The test may involve a dipstick or lab analysis to detect acetone. Results are often qualitative (positive/negative) rather than a specific number.

What the Results Mean

A positive result means acetone was detected in your urine. This doesn’t always mean you’re in danger, but it’s worth discussing with your doctor to check for underlying issues like blood sugar control or dietary habits.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Ketones

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need this test?
This test is often done as a screening or monitoring tool, especially for people with diabetes. Your doctor may recommend it if you’re experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.
Can I prevent high acetone levels?
Yes! If you have diabetes, managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication can help prevent ketones. Avoiding extreme diets (like very low-carb or fasting without medical supervision) and staying hydrated may also help.
What if my results are positive but I don’t have diabetes?
If you’re not diabetic, elevated acetone could still indicate other issues like metabolic stress, eating disorders, or illness. Always share your results with your healthcare provider to explore further causes and next steps.
  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