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 formed during increased fat breakdown and are used by the body as an alternative energy source when glucose is deficient.
Indications for testing:
- Monitoring patients with diabetes mellitus, especially when ketoacidosis is suspected.
- Diagnosis of metabolic disorders associated with enhanced fat metabolism (fasting, low-calorie diets, rapid weight loss).
- Assessment in cases of intoxication, dehydration, fever, and severe poisoning.
- Screening of pregnant women for early signs of toxicosis.
- Assessment of metabolic state during stress and intense physical activity.
Methodology:
- The test uses a midstream urine portion collected in a clean container after genital hygiene.
- Ketone concentration is determined by colorimetric or chromatographic methods using test strips or laboratory equipment.
- Results are expressed quantitatively in mmol/L or qualitatively (absence/presence of ketones).
Normal values:
- Ketone bodies in urine of a healthy person are absent or detected at very low concentrations (up to 0.5 mmol/L).
Interpretation of results:
- The presence of ketone bodies (ketonuria) indicates carbohydrate metabolism disruption and the body’s shift to using fats as an energy source.
- High ketone levels are characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, pregnancy toxicosis, dehydration, and intoxication.
- A negative result does not exclude early stages of ketoacidosis; more accurate diagnosis may require blood ketone testing.
Preparation for the test:
- Before urine collection, avoid alcohol, fatty, salty, and spicy foods.
- Do not use diuretics before the test.
- Maintain genital hygiene before urine collection.
The urine test for ketone bodies is an important diagnostic tool for monitoring metabolic processes and timely detection of dangerous conditions related to metabolic disturbances.