Ketones

ChemistryAlso known as: Ketone bodiesAlso known as: Serum ketonesmmol/L

Detects ketones, compounds produced from fat breakdown, in your urine.

Normal Range
Consult your provider
mmol/L
Abnormal Levels
Consult your provider
Specimen Type
Blood

Why This Biomarker Matters

Elevated ketones may indicate ketosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, or other metabolic issues. Abnormal levels require medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.

Overview

Ketones are compounds produced when your body breaks down fat for energy, typically during fasting, intense exercise, or low-carbohydrate diets. A urine ketone test detects these compounds in your urine. Elevated ketones may indicate ketosis (a normal metabolic state during certain diets), diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition in diabetes), starvation, or metabolic disorders. Trace amounts are usually not concerning, but significant elevation warrants medical evaluation.

Research & Evidence

174 publications

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Research data from MEDLINE/PubMed · 174 articles

Technical Information (LOINC Codes)

Standardized laboratory codes for this biomarker

33058-9Primary
Ketones [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma
mg/dL
5797-6
Ketones [Mass/volume] in Urine by Test strip
mg/dL
33903-6
Ketones [Presence] in Urine
59158-6
Ketones [Moles/volume] in Urine by Automated test strip
mmol/L
32323-8
Ketones [Moles/volume] in Specimen
mmol/L
38493-3
Ketones [Titer] in Serum or Plasma
{titer}
53061-8
Ketones [Moles/volume] in Blood
mmol/L
2513-0
Ketones [Presence] in Serum or Plasma
22702-5
Ketones [Moles/volume] in Urine by Test strip
mmol/L
49779-2
Ketones [Mass/volume] in Urine
mg/dL
57734-6
Ketones [Presence] in Urine by Automated test strip
50557-8
Ketones [Mass/volume] in Urine by Automated test strip
mg/dL
2514-8
Ketones [Presence] in Urine by Test strip
68955-4
Ketones [Presence] in Blood by Tablet
33043-1
Ketones [Presence] in 24 hour Urine
32547-2
Ketones [Moles/volume] in Serum or Plasma by Test strip
mmol/L
40641-3
Ketones [Presence] in Vitreous fluid