Ketones: Results

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Results

A ketone test checks for substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy (ketones).

Urine test

If either the test strip or the urine changes color when the tablet is dropped into the sample, ketones are present in your urine sample. The test results are read as negative to 1+ to 4+ or small to large.

High values

You may have ketones in your urine if you:

• Have poorly controlled diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Are on a very low-carbohydrate diet.
• Are starving or have an eating disorder, including disorders that result in poor nutrition such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, alcoholism, or poisoning from drinking rubbing alcohol (isopropanol).
• Have not eaten (fasted) for 18 hours or longer.
• Are pregnant. However, a moderate amount of ketones in a pregnant woman may harm the fetus and may be an indication of gestational diabetes.

The level of ketones, and not just the presence of ketones, may be important to your doctor as well. Many conditions can change ketone levels. Fasting usually causes only mild increases in the level, but ketone levels in diabetic ketoacidosis are much higher. Your health professional will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

Last updated:	July 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer