Complete Blood Count (CBC): What This Test Measures, Why It Is Ordered, and What Your Results Mean
This test measures the level of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood to help monitor fat metabolism and detect conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.
{"Measures acetone (a ketone) in blood serum or plasma","Used to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Helps evaluate unexplained high blood sugar or metabolic disorders","Results indicate how your body is breaking down fat for energy","Often ordered when someone has symptoms of DKA or uncontrolled diabetes"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110091-6
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/Gold top) 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 assay or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 104092002
- Specimen volume
- 2-3 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a complete blood count (CBC) test, and what does it measure in my blood?
The acetone blood test measures the amount of acetone, a ketone body, in your serum or plasma. Ketones are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose (sugar). This test is part of a broader set of tests called ketone testing and is specifically used to detect and monitor conditions where ketone production becomes abnormally high.
Why might my healthcare provider order a CBC test during a routine checkup or when I am not feeling well?
Your doctor may order an acetone test if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and breath that smells fruity. The test is also used to monitor people with type 1 diabetes or those following a ketogenic diet. Additionally, it may be ordered if you have unexplained weight loss, metabolic disorders, or persistent high blood sugar levels.
How is a CBC test performed, and what should I expect during the blood draw at the lab or clinic?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected into a tube containing an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where the acetone level is measured. No special preparation is typically required, but follow your doctor's instructions regarding fasting or medication adjustments.
Understanding your results: Your CBC report shows the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets in your blood. Your provider will compare these values with standard reference ranges to see whether any counts are too high or too low, and will explain what those findings mean for your overall health and next steps in your care.
In healthy individuals, acetone levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation or prolonged fasting, a ketogenic diet, alcoholism, or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results alongside other test results and your clinical symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
Reference range
Normal: < 1.0 mg/dL (< 0.17 mmol/L) or Not Detectable. Elevated: > 3.0 mg/dL (> 0.5 mmol/L) may indicate ketoacidosisN/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not mandatory but may affect results. Inform the laboratory of any medications, especially metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The acetone test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication that occurs when insulin levels are too low and the body produces excessive ketones. Elevated acetone levels can also indicate other conditions such as starvation ketoacidosis, alcoholic ketoacidosis, or metabolic disorders. Monitoring ketone levels is crucial for people with type 1 diabetes, especially during illness or when blood sugar is consistently high, to prevent DKA from developing.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before the acetone test?
What happens if my acetone level is high?
Can I test for ketones at home?
What is the difference between blood and urine ketone testing?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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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