Ketones - urine

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Male urinary system

Ketone bodies - urine; Urine ketones: acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid

A negative test result is normal. Results of the presence of acetone in the urine are usually listed as small, moderate or large with these corresponding values:

Small - < 20 mg/dL

Moderate - 30-40 mg/dL

Large - > 80 mg/dL

A positive test may indicate:

• Metabolic abnormalities, including uncontrolled diabetes or glycogen storage disease
• Abnormal nutritional conditions, including starvation, fasting, anorexia, high protein or low carbohydrate diets
• Vomiting frequently over a long period of time, including hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of morning sickness)
• Disorders of increased metabolism, including hyperthyroidism, fever, acute or severe illness, burns, pregnancy, lactation (nursing a baby), or post-surgical condition

Review Date: 12/09/2005
Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.