Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient Guide to What It Is, Why It Is Needed, and What to Expect
A screening test to detect the presence of acetone (a type of ketone body) in your blood, used to evaluate metabolic conditions.
{"Measures acetone levels in blood to check for abnormal fat metabolism","Helps diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Often ordered when someone has symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or rapid breathing","Results are typically reported as positive or negative (presence/absence)","A simple blood draw is all that's needed for this test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20469-3
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone SerPl Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube; plasma collection tube (EDTA or sodium fluoride)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 415571006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum or plasma minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks. Separate serum/plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–48 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what does it measure or look for in my body?
The Acetone Presence test is a screening test that checks whether acetone is present in your blood serum or plasma. Acetone is a type of ketone body that your body produces when it breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose (sugar). This test uses a screening method to detect if acetone is present above normal levels.
Why do I need this test, and what can it tell my healthcare provider about my overall health?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting ketoacidosis, a serious condition where too many ketones build up in the blood. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, confusion, or fruity-smelling breath. This test is commonly used to monitor patients with diabetes, especially those with type 1 diabetes, to prevent or detect diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
How is this test done, and what should I expect during the procedure?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. The test itself is quick, and you may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the puncture site.
Understanding your results means reviewing the values with your healthcare provider, who will explain whether your numbers fall within the expected range and what any abnormal findings may mean for your health and any follow-up care you might need.
Results are typically reported as either 'Positive' (acetone is present) or 'Negative' (acetone is not detected). A positive result may indicate that your body is producing too many ketones, which could signal diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, excessive alcohol consumption, or a very low-carbohydrate diet. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
Reference range
Negative - No acetone detected; Positive - Acetone detected above thresholdN/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not mandatory but may be physician-directed based on clinical indication.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to detect and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes. Elevated acetone levels indicate that the body is using fat for energy due to insufficient insulin, leading to a buildup of acidic ketone bodies in the blood. The test may also be useful in evaluating patients with unexplained metabolic acidosis, suspected intoxication, or during fasting/starvation. Early detection of elevated ketones allows for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
What does a positive result mean?
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I monitor ketone levels at home?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3LOINC Code ReferenceSource
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