Acetone Test
The acetone test measures acetone, a ketone body, in a whole blood sample. It is a marker associated with reduced carbohydrate availability, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and isopropyl alcohol ingestion.
About this test
Acetone is one of the ketone bodies formed from acetoacetate. When ketone body formation increases, acetone levels can rise in the blood, a state known as ketonemia, and increase in the urine as well, known as ketonuria. This test reports the level of acetone measured in a whole blood sample.
Quest associates acetone measurement with several situations: decreased carbohydrate availability, such as dieting or reduced carbohydrate intake; diabetes- or alcohol-related ketoacidosis; and ingestion of isopropyl alcohol, which also leads to acetone formation. The sample is collected in a fluoride oxalate (gray-top) tube and analyzed using chromatography.
Who might consider this test?
- Often being evaluated in the context of reduced carbohydrate intake
- Possible isopropyl alcohol exposure
- Since each of these is associated with a rise in ketone body formation
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports one value: the level of acetone in whole blood. Acetone is a ketone body, and its level is described as an indicator of ketone body formation associated with reduced carbohydrate availability, diabetes- or alcohol-related ketoacidosis, and isopropyl alcohol ingestion.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the acetone test measure?
It measures acetone, one of the ketone bodies formed from acetoacetate. Excessive ketone body formation leads to increased levels in blood, known as ketonemia, and in urine, known as ketonuria.
How is the sample collected?
A whole blood sample is collected in a fluoride oxalate (gray-top) tube and analyzed using chromatography.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
What situations is acetone testing associated with?
Quest associates it with decreased carbohydrate availability, such as dieting; diabetes- or alcohol-related ketoacidosis; and ingestion of isopropyl alcohol, which also leads to acetone formation.