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Acetoacetmsmtserpl

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

A blood test that measures acetoacetate, a ketone body, to help diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Quick summary

{"Acetoacetate is a ketone body measured in blood to detect ketoacidosis","Primary use is diagnosing and monitoring diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Elevated levels indicate your body is breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose","Test is performed on a blood sample (serum or plasma)","Results help doctors guide treatment for diabetes complications"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
109089-3
Short code
Acetoacet
Synonyms
Acetoacet Msmt SerPl
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.2
Ref high
0.5
Critical range
— – 6 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Enzymatic spectrophotometric method using beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
CPT
82953
SNOMED
413549007
Specimen volume
1.0 mL minimum, 2.0 mL preferred
Stability
Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Protect from light as acetoacetate may degrade.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
2–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The acetoacetate test measures the amount of acetoacetic acid (also called acetoacetate) in your blood. Acetoacetate is one of three ketone bodies (the others are beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone) that your body produces when it breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose.

Why do I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, and rapid breathing. The test helps confirm whether high ketone levels are causing these symptoms and monitors how well treatment is working.

How is the test done?

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected into a tube containing chemicals (anticoagulant) to prevent clotting. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test unless your doctor specifically instructs you to.

What do the results mean?

Normal acetoacetate levels are typically very low or undetectable in healthy individuals. Elevated levels suggest that your body is producing excess ketones, which can lead to ketoacidosis. Higher levels indicate more severe conditions requiring immediate medical treatment.

Reference range

< 0.2 mmol/L (normal); 0.2-0.5 mmol/L (borderline elevated); > 0.5 mmol/L (elevated, consistent with ketosis)N/A

Specimen: serum

No specific fasting required. Avoid prolonged fasting (>24 hours) before collection as this may elevate ketone levels. Inform physician of current diet status, diabetes management, and alcohol consumption. Sample is best collected during acute presentation of suspected ketoacidosis.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings4

Frequently asked questions

Is fasting required before the acetoacetate test?
Fasting is typically not required for this test. However, follow your doctor's specific instructions, as your individual situation may require special preparation.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within a few hours to one day, depending on the laboratory. Some point-of-care tests can provide results in minutes.
Are there any risks with this blood test?
The risks are minimal and include slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site. These typically resolve quickly.
What happens if my acetoacetate levels are high?
High levels indicate possible ketoacidosis, which requires immediate medical treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend hospitalization for intravenous insulin, fluids, and electrolyte replacement.
Can I test ketones at home?
Yes, home ketone test kits are available (using blood or urine samples). However, these are typically used for screening, not diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will order the more accurate laboratory test for definitive diagnosis.
How is this test different from other ketone tests?
This test specifically measures acetoacetate in blood. Other tests may measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (another ketone body) in blood or detect ketones in urine. Blood tests are generally more accurate and reflect current ketone levels more precisely.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Ketone BodiesSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource
  3. 3
    American Diabetes Association - DKASource

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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy