Acetoacetacetoneserplmcnc
This test measures the levels of ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone) in your blood to check if your body is producing too many ketones, which can indicate a serious metabolic condition.
{"Measures ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone) in blood serum or plasma","Used to diagnose and monitor ketoacidosis, especially in diabetes","Helps evaluate if your body is properly using glucose for energy","Elevated levels may indicate diabetes complications or metabolic disorders","Sample is collected via blood draw"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30574-8
- Short code
- KETONE
- Synonyms
- Acetoacet+Acetone SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzymatic (Beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) or Colorimetric method
- CPT
- 82010
- SNOMED
- 31341008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of blood
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 24 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days, frozen (-20°C) for 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acetoacetate and Acetone test measures the concentration of ketone bodies in your blood. Ketones are chemicals produced by your liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. The two main ketones measured are acetoacetate and acetone. When ketone levels become too high, it can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis.
Why is this test performed?
This test is primarily ordered to: (1) Diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes; (2) Evaluate unexplained symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fruity breath odor; (3) Monitor patients on ketogenic diets or fasting; (4) Assess alcohol-related ketoacidosis in heavy drinkers; (5) Check for metabolic disorders that affect how your body processes nutrients.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may need to fast for several hours before the test, as directed by your doctor. It's important to follow any pre-test instructions carefully.
Understanding your results
Normal ketone levels in blood are typically very low. Elevated levels may indicate: diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation or prolonged fasting, a ketogenic diet, alcohol abuse, or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, symptoms, and other test results.
Reference range
Negative or < 1.0 mg/dL (reference range may vary by laboratory)N/A
No special preparation required. Inform clinician of current medications, especially SGLT2 inhibitors which may cause euglycemic ketoacidosis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my ketone levels are high?
Can I do this test at home?
Are there any risks from the blood test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy