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Acetonespecql

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

This test checks whether acetone, a type of ketone body, is present in your blood serum.

Quick summary

{"Measures acetone/ketones in blood to check for abnormal fat metabolism","Used mainly to diagnose and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Normal result is negative; positive results indicate ketone buildup","Often ordered when blood sugar is high or with symptoms of DKA","Quick blood test from a vein in your arm"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32290-9
Short code
ACET
Synonyms
Acetone Spec Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Enzymatic or Colorimetric
CPT
80378
SNOMED
414568003
Specimen volume
1.0-2.0 mL serum
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
60
Icterus max
40
TAT
1–8 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The acetone presence test is a qualitative blood test that detects whether acetone, a type of ketone body, is present in your serum sample. Ketones are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of using glucose (sugar). This test does not measure the exact amount of acetone but simply indicates whether it is present (positive) or absent (negative).

Why might I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, and you are experiencing symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms include high blood sugar, frequent urination, extreme thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, or fruity-smelling breath. The test may also be ordered if you are following a very low-carb diet, fasting, or have other conditions that might cause abnormal ketone production.

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 tube and sent to a laboratory for testing. The process only takes a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but this usually resolves quickly.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, always follow your doctor's instructions. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking, as certain substances may affect test results. If you are diabetic, continue taking your insulin or medications as directed unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Understanding your results

A negative result means no acetone was detected in your blood, which is the normal expected result. A positive result indicates that acetone is present in your blood, which may suggest conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting, starvation, a very low-carbohydrate diet, or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.

Reference range

Negative / Not DetectedN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of current medications, especially metformin or insulin. Avoid recent ingestion of propylene glycol or isopropanol which may cross-react with some methods.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is fasting required before the test?
No specific fasting is usually required for this test. However, follow your doctor's specific instructions. Some doctors may recommend fasting for 8-12 hours for more accurate results, especially if other metabolic tests are being performed simultaneously.
Can I do this test at home?
While there are home ketone test kits available (usually testing urine or breath), they are not equivalent to the blood serum test ordered by your doctor. Home tests may not be as accurate and should not replace professional medical testing. Always consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means acetone was detected in your blood, indicating increased ketone production. This can occur due to uncontrolled diabetes, DKA, prolonged fasting, very low-carb diets, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain metabolic disorders. Your doctor will determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Is the test painful?
The test involves a simple blood draw. You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the needle is inserted, but the discomfort is minimal and usually lasts only a few seconds. Some people may experience slight bruising or soreness afterward.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few hours to one day, depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Ketone Bodies TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Diabetic KetoacidosisSource
  3. 3
    Lab Tests Online - KetonesSource

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