ketones-in-urine
Reviewed
Also called: ketones urine test, ketone test, urine ketones, ketone bodies
This test measures ketone levels in your urine. Ketones are acids produced when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. While small amounts are normal, high levels can signal a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency, especially in people with diabetes.
Specimen: urine
Urgent safety information
Severe symptoms of ketoacidosis (nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, trouble breathing, feeling very tired or sleepy, fruity-smelling breath) require 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 need to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period of time before the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to fast or do any other preparation.
A urine sample is collected using the clean-catch method. For home testing, follow the instructions in your test kit, which usually involves holding a test strip in your urine stream or dipping it into a collected urine sample.
There is no known risk to having a ketones in urine test.
Understanding results
Your test results may be a specific number or listed as a small, moderate, or large amount of ketones. Normal results can vary depending on your diet, activity level, and other factors. 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.
- Small amount of ketones: May be normal or indicate early ketone production. Interpretation depends on your individual health situation. Limitation: Results can vary based on diet, activity level, and other factors. Next step: Discuss with your healthcare provider what is normal for you.
- Moderate or large amount of ketones: May indicate high ketone levels that could lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition. Limitation: Results can vary based on diet, activity level, and other factors. Next step: Contact your healthcare provider immediately, especially if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis.
- 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
Talk with your healthcare provider about what your results mean and what follow-up is needed. If you have severe symptoms of ketoacidosis, seek immediate medical help.
- 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?