Urine Test for Ketone Bodies
Urine test for ketone bodies (acetone) is a laboratory test aimed at detecting ketone bodies in urine, including acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. Ketone bodies are produced during enhanced fat breakdown and serve as an alternative energy source when glucose is deficient.
Indications for the test:
- Monitoring patients with diabetes mellitus, especially suspected ketoacidosis.
- Diagnosis of metabolic disorders associated with increased fat metabolism (starvation, low-calorie diets, rapid weight loss).
- Assessment during intoxications, dehydration, fever, and severe poisoning.
- Screening pregnant women for early signs of toxicosis.
- Evaluation of metabolic state under stress and intense physical activity.
Procedure:
- A midstream urine sample is collected in a clean container after genital hygiene.
- Ketone concentration is determined by colorimetric or chromatographic methods using test strips or laboratory equipment.
- Results may be quantitative (mmol/L) or qualitative (presence/absence of ketones).
Normal values:
- Ketone bodies are absent or present at very low levels (up to 0.5 mmol/L) in healthy individuals.
Interpretation:
- Presence of ketone bodies (ketonuria) indicates impaired carbohydrate metabolism and shift to fat utilization for energy.
- High ketone levels characterize diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, pregnancy toxicosis, dehydration, and intoxications.
- Negative results do not exclude early ketoacidosis; blood ketone testing may be required for precise diagnosis.
Preparation:
- Avoid alcohol, fatty, salty, and spicy foods before the test.
- Do not use diuretics prior to urine collection.
- Maintain genital hygiene before urine sample collection.
Urine test for ketone bodies is an important diagnostic tool for monitoring metabolic processes and timely detection of dangerous metabolic imbalances.