Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, Why You May Need It, and How to Get Ready for Your Results
This test measures acetone levels in your blood to help monitor diabetes and detect a serious condition called ketoacidosis.
{"Measures acetone (a ketone body) in blood/serum","Used to monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)","Helps assess metabolic control in diabetes","Elevated levels may indicate a medical emergency","Part of routine diabetes management"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21049-2
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone Tiss-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzymatic assay (beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- CPT
- 80378 (Ketone body analysis)
- SNOMED
- 313334006 (Acetone measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL venous blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 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 this test, and what is it designed to measure or detect in samples such as your blood, urine, or other body fluids?
The acetone blood test measures the amount of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your blood. Ketones are chemicals produced by your liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. This test is typically performed on a blood sample (serum) collected from a vein in your arm.
Why do I need this test, and how will the results help my healthcare provider diagnose a condition, monitor my treatment, or screen for potential health problems?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, to monitor for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication that occurs when ketone levels become dangerously high. The test may also be ordered if you have symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, or abdominal pain.
How should I prepare for this test, including whether I need to fast, avoid certain medications or supplements, or follow any special instructions before my sample is collected?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding fasting before the test. Certain medications and conditions may affect test results, so inform your provider about all medications you are taking. The test requires only a simple blood draw, which carries minimal risks.
What do my test results mean, how are they compared with normal reference ranges, and what follow-up steps might my healthcare provider recommend based on what they show?
Normal acetone levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting, a low-carbohydrate diet, or other metabolic conditions. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
Negative or not detected (<1.0 mg/g tissue equivalent in serum: <0.2 mmol/L)N/A
No special preparation required. Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to collection as it may affect ketone body metabolism. Inform physician of any fasting state or ketogenic diet.
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 potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. Elevated acetone and ketone levels indicate that the body is breaking down fat instead of using glucose for energy, which can lead to dangerous acidification of the blood. The test helps healthcare providers assess metabolic control, guide treatment decisions, and monitor response to therapy in patients with diabetes or other conditions affecting metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
What happens if my acetone levels are high?
Can diet affect my acetone levels?
How often should I have this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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