What is a ketone in urine test?
The test measures ketone levels in your urine. Normally, your body burns glucose (sugar) for energy. If your cells don't get enough glucose, your body burns fat for energy instead. This produces a substance called ketones, which can show up in your blood and urine. High ketone levels in urine may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes that can lead to a coma or even death. Ketones in urine tests can prompt you to get treatment before a medical emergency occurs.
Other names: ketones urine test, ketone test, urine ketones, ketone bodies
What is it used for?
The test is often used to help monitor people at a higher risk of developing ketones. These include people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, ketones in urine can mean that you are not getting enough insulin. If you don't have diabetes, you may still be at risk for developing ketones if you:
- Experience chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Have a digestive disorder
- Participate in strenuous exercise
- Are on a very low-carbohydrate diet
- Have an eating disorder
- Are pregnant
Why do I need ketones in urine tests?
Your health care provider may order ketones in a urine test if you have diabetes or other risk factors for developing ketones. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis. These include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling extremely sleepy
People with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk for ketoacidosis.
What happens during ketones in urine tests?
Ketones in urine tests can be done in the home as well as in a lab. If in a lab, you will be given instructions to provide a "clean-catch" sample. The clean-catch method generally includes the following steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean your genital area with a cleansing pad. Men should wipe the tip of their penis. Women should open their labia and clean from front to back.
- Start to urinate into the toilet.
- Move the collection container under your urine stream.
- Collect at least an ounce or two of urine into the container, which should have markings to indicate the amount.
- Finish urinating into the toilet.
- Return the sample container as instructed by your health care provider.
If you do the test at home, follow the instructions that are in your test kit. Your kit will include a package of strips for testing. You will either be instructed to provide a clean catch sample in a container as described above or to put the test strip directly in the stream of your urine. Talk to your health care provider about specific instructions.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
You may have to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period of time before taking ketones in a urine test. Ask your health care provider if you need to fast or do any other type of preparation before your test.
Are there any risks to the test?
There is no known risk of having ketones in urine tests.
