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Acetonemsmtfld

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

The acetone blood test measures the level of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood to help evaluate your metabolic health.

Quick summary

{"Acetone is a ketone body produced when your body breaks down fat for energy","High levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis or other metabolic conditions","The test uses a blood sample, typically collected from a vein in your arm","Results help doctors monitor diabetes and metabolic disorders","Normal acetone levels are usually very low or undetectable"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
109885-4
Short code
ACET
Synonyms
Acetone Msmt Fld
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top 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 Chemical (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
CPT
80378
SNOMED
398023006
Specimen volume
1.0 mL minimum, 3.0 mL preferred
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Acetone test measures the amount of acetone in your blood serum. 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 using glucose. This typically happens when your body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose properly, such as in diabetes, or when you're fasting, following a very low-carbohydrate diet, or experiencing prolonged vomiting.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood is collected into a special tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test, depending on your doctor's instructions.

What do the results mean?

Normal acetone levels in blood are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes where ketone levels become dangerously high. Other conditions that can increase acetone levels include fasting, starvation, prolonged vomiting, a ketogenic diet, and certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other test findings.

Are there any risks?

The risks associated with this blood test are minimal and include slight bruising, bleeding, or infection at the puncture site. Some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after the blood draw. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly. If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, inform your healthcare provider before the test.

Reference range

Negative or < 1.0 mg/dL (< 0.17 mmol/L) in serum; detectable levels may indicate ketonemiaN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of current medications, especially insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or ketogenic diet status. Avoid excessive exercise before specimen collection as it may transiently increase ketone levels.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need an acetone test?
Your doctor may order an acetone test if you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms of ketoacidosis such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, or rapid breathing. It may also be ordered if you have unexplained metabolic acidosis or are following a ketogenic diet and need monitoring.
Do I need to fast before the test?
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fasting. Some healthcare providers may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, as eating can affect ketone levels. However, always confirm the specific preparation instructions with your healthcare provider or the testing laboratory.
What happens if my acetone levels are high?
High acetone levels require prompt medical attention, especially if you have diabetes. Your doctor will determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include insulin therapy, intravenous fluids, and electrolyte replacement. In severe cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, hospitalization may be necessary.
Can I test acetone at home?
Yes, there are home testing kits available that measure ketone bodies in blood or urine. While these can be useful for monitoring purposes, they may not measure acetone specifically. Follow your doctor's recommendations about home testing and always discuss any results with your healthcare provider.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Ketone Bodies TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource

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