Acetoacetserplmcnc
The acetoacetate test measures ketone bodies in your blood to help diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.
{"Acetoacetate is a ketone body produced by the liver during fat metabolism","This test is mainly used to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Elevated levels may indicate serious metabolic problems requiring urgent treatment","The test is performed on a blood sample taken from a vein in your arm"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1705-3
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetoacet SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube; sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate plasma collection tube acceptable
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.5
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Enzymatic method (beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) or colorimetric assay
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 414268004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL minimum, 2.0-3.0 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks; protect from light
- 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 acetoacetate in your blood serum or plasma. Acetoacetate is one of three ketone bodies (along with beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone) that your liver produces when breaking down fatty acids for energy. This test helps healthcare providers evaluate how your body is metabolizing fats and whether you have abnormal levels of ketones in your blood.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, or rapid breathing. It may also be used if you have unexplained metabolic acidosis, are on a very strict ketogenic diet, or have conditions that affect fat metabolism. The test helps monitor how well treatment is working if you have been diagnosed with DKA or another condition causing elevated ketones.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. 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 instructed by your doctor. Certain medications and health conditions can affect the test results, so inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
What do the results mean?
Normal acetoacetate levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation ketosis, alcoholic ketoacidosis, or other metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, symptoms, and other test results. High ketone levels can be dangerous and may require immediate medical treatment.
Reference range
Normal: < 1.0 mg/dL; Elevated: 1.0-3.0 mg/dL; High: > 3.0 mg/dL (may vary by laboratory)N/A
No fasting required but test is often performed in fasting state to assess ketone metabolism; inform patient of normal ketone body fluctuations; avoid strenuous exercise before collection
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before the test?
Are there any risks with this blood test?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my acetoacetate levels are high?
Can medications affect my test results?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - KetonesSource
- 2
- 3LOINC Code 1705-3Source
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy