Acetoneurmcnc
A urine test that measures the amount of acetone, a type of ketone body, in your urine.
{"The test checks for ketones in your urine, which can indicate diabetes complications or other conditions","High acetone levels may signal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention","The test is simple, non-invasive, and uses a urine sample","Results help doctors monitor diabetes management and metabolic health"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5570-7
- Short code
- UACET
- Synonyms
- Acetone Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean-catch urine container (sterile)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Dipstick (Reagent Strip) / Enzymatic
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 271344006
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2-4 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24-48 hours; Frozen (-20°C): not recommended for acetone testing
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine acetone test measures the amount of acetone (a ketone body) in your urine. When your body cannot use glucose for energy, it breaks down fat instead, producing ketones like acetone as a byproduct. This test helps detect if excess ketones are building up in your body.
Why is it done?
This test is primarily used to: monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes, detect and monitor diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), evaluate people following ketogenic diets or fasting, and check for metabolic disorders. Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, or abdominal pain.
How to prepare
Generally, no special preparation is needed for a urine acetone test. However, follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some medications may affect test results.
What to expect during the test
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. You will be given instructions on how to collect a clean-catch midstream sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick, painless, and similar to a routine urinalysis.
Reference range
Negative or undetectable (< 1 mg/dL)N/A
No special preparation required. Collect clean-catch midstream urine sample for optimal results. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements being taken.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
What do high acetone levels mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I do this test at home?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - KetonesSource
- 2
- 3
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy