Ketones in Urine
Reviewed
Also called: ketones urine test, ketone test, urine ketones, ketone bodies
A ketones in urine test measures ketone levels in your urine. Having some ketones in your urine is normal.
Specimen: urine
Urgent safety information
If you have severe symptoms of ketoacidosis, seek immediate medical help. Large amounts of ketones can be life-threatening.
Why this test may be ordered
- To help monitor people who are more likely to develop high ketone levels, such as those with diabetes, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, alcohol use disorder, eating disorders, certain digestive diseases, a keto diet, or extreme exercise.
- If you have symptoms of ketoacidosis, including frequent urination, extreme hunger or thirst, dehydration, headache, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, trouble breathing, feeling very tired or sleepy, or fruity-smelling breath.
Preparation and collection
You may have to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period of time before taking a ketones in urine test. Ask your provider if you need to fast or do any other type of preparation before your test.
A ketones in urine test can be done at home or in a lab. If you go to a lab for your test, you will need to give a urine sample for the test. If you do the test at home, follow the instructions in your test kit. It's important to follow the test instructions exactly.
There is no known risk to having a ketones in urine test.
Understanding results
If a result or symptoms suggest an emergency, get emergency medical help right away.
Your test results may be a specific number or listed as a "small," "moderate," or "large" amount of ketones.
- Some ketones: Having some ketones in your urine is normal. Limitation: Normal results can vary depending on your diet, activity level, and other factors. Next step: Because high ketone levels can cause serious health problems, be sure to talk with your provider about what is normal for you and what your results mean.
- High ketone levels: But high ketone levels in your urine may be a sign that your blood is too acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis. The most common type of ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Limitation: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that often develops quickly and can be life-threatening. Next step: If you have severe symptoms of ketoacidosis, seek immediate medical help.
- Results can vary depending on your diet, activity level, and other factors.
- At-home test accuracy depends on carefully following all instructions.
What to do next
Because high ketone levels can cause serious health problems, be sure to talk with your provider about what is normal for you and what your results mean.
- Do I need to fast or prepare in any way before this test?
- What do my specific ketone levels mean for my health?
- How often should I test for ketones?
- What should I do if my ketone levels are high?
- Is a home test kit right for me, and which one do you recommend?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.