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Acetonebldql

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A blood test that detects the presence of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your bloodstream to help assess your metabolic health.

Quick summary

{"Detects acetone (a ketone) in blood to evaluate metabolic conditions","Primarily used to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis","May also be elevated during fasting, prolonged exercise, or ketogenic diets","Performed using a simple blood draw","Results help doctors identify serious metabolic imbalances"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
39529-3
Short code
ACETB
Synonyms
Acetone Bld Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Gray-top sodium fluoride potassium oxalate tube (NaF/KOx) or EDTA tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Chemical oxidation method or enzymatic method using beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
CPT
80378
SNOMED
414873009
Specimen volume
2-3 mL whole blood
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is the Acetone Blood Test?

The blood acetone test is a chemistry test that detects whether acetone is present in your blood. Acetone is one of three ketone bodies (including acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate) that your body produces when it breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. This process, called ketogenesis, typically occurs when your body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, such as in diabetes, or when you are fasting or following a very low-carbohydrate diet.

Why Might 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 fruity-smelling breath. The test may also be used to monitor people with type 1 diabetes, those following ketogenic diets, or patients with unexplained metabolic acidosis. Additionally, it may be ordered if you have a history of alcoholism or are experiencing prolonged fasting.

How is the Test Performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test simply detects whether acetone is present (qualitative test), so it does not measure a specific amount. You may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, depending on your doctor's instructions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some may affect the results.

What Do the Results Mean?

A positive result indicates that acetone is present in your blood, which suggests your body is producing ketone bodies. This may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires immediate medical treatment. Other causes include fasting, prolonged exercise, a ketogenic diet, alcoholism, or certain metabolic disorders. A negative result means no acetone was detected, which is the normal finding. However, your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other test results.

Reference range

Negative / Not DetectedN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements being taken.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is fasting required before the blood acetone test?
Fasting may be recommended for 8-12 hours before the test, as eating can affect ketone levels. However, follow your doctor's specific instructions. Some medications and supplements may also influence results, so inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Does a positive result always mean I have diabetes?
No, a positive acetone test does not automatically mean you have diabetes. While diabetic ketoacidosis is a major concern, acetone can also be elevated due to fasting, ketogenic diets, prolonged exercise, alcoholism, or other metabolic conditions. Your doctor will evaluate your results along with other tests and your clinical symptoms to determine the cause.
How is this test different from urine ketone tests?
Blood acetone testing directly measures the presence of ketones in your bloodstream, which is more immediate and accurate than urine testing. Urine ketone tests detect ketones that have been excreted, which may lag behind current blood levels. Blood testing is particularly important in diabetes management to detect DKA early, as it provides a more timely and reliable indicator of your metabolic status.
What happens if my test shows acetone in my blood?
If your test is positive, your doctor will determine the cause and appropriate treatment. For diabetic ketoacidosis, you will likely need hospitalization for insulin therapy, intravenous fluids, and electrolyte replacement. For other causes, treatment may involve dietary changes, alcohol cessation, or managing underlying conditions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or confusion.
Can I test for ketones at home?
Yes, home ketone testing is available using blood ketone meters or urine ketone strips. Blood ketone meters can measure beta-hydroxybutyrate levels, which is more accurate than urine testing. However, home testing should not replace laboratory testing for diagnosis. If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend home ketone monitoring during illness or if your blood glucose is consistently high. Always discuss home testing options with your healthcare provider.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Ketone bodiesSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Ketone bodiesSource
  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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy