Ketones, Urine
Test Codes
EPIC: LAB7120, Beaker: UKET3
Department
Chemistry
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect: A random, clean-catch, midstream urine specimen in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other sterile collection container. (Minimum: 1.0 mL)
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) and transport to the laboratory.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: Urine specimen, refrigerated (2-8 °C or 36-46 °F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)
Rejection Criteria
- Urine volume less than 1.0 mL.
- Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.
In-Lab Processing
Document the time of specimen collection in the computer system. Deliver the specimen immediately to the appropriate testing station.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Laboratory
Canton Chemistry Laboratory
Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Chemistry Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory
Troy Chemistry Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Trenton Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory
Performed
Sunday – Saturday.
Results available within 24 hours.
Reference Range
Negative.
Test Methodology
Automated Urinalysis Dipstick Reader
Interpretation
Ketone bodies are the products of incomplete fat metabolism. In ketonuria, the three ketone bodies present in the urine are acetoacetic acid (20%), acetone (2%), and B-hydroxybutyrate (78%). Acetone is formed non-reversibly from acetoacetic acid. B-hydroxybutyrate forms reversibly from acetoacetic acid.
However the urine dipstick only tests for acetoacetic acid and does NOT detect acetone or B-hydroxybutyrate.
False positive results (trace or less) may occur with:
- Highly pigmented urine.
- Phthaleins (BSP or PSP dyes), large amounts of phenylketones, the preservative 8-hydroxyquinoline, L-dopa metabolites, and antihypertensive drugs (methyl dopa, captopril).
- Compounds such as mesna (2-mercaptoethane sulfonic acid) that contain sulfhydryl groups may cause false positive results or an atypical color reaction.
Clinical Utility
Ketonuria may be seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, vomiting, starvation, dieting, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, and certain inherited metabolic diseases with abnormalities of carbohydrate or lipid metabolism.
If it is clinically important to know whether B-hydroxybutyrate is present in increased concentrations, recommend ordering serum B-hydroxybutyrate.
CPT Codes
82009
Contacts
Canton Laboratory – CTN
734-454-8024
Name: Canton Laboratory – CTN
Location:
Phone: 734-454-8024
Hematology Laboratory – DBN
313-593-7905
Name: Hematology Laboratory – DBN
Location:
Phone: 313-593-7905
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
947-521-8243
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-8243
Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
313-473-1809
Name: Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1809
Urinalysis Laboratory – RO
248-551-8064
Name: Urinalysis Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8064
Main Laboratory – TYL
313-295-5360
Name: Main Laboratory – TYL
Location:
Phone: 313-295-5360
Main Laboratory – TRN
734-671-3869
Name: Main Laboratory – TRN
Location:
Phone: 734-671-3869
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
248-964-8040
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8040
Main Laboratory –WYN
734-467-4274
Name: Main Laboratory –WYN
Location:
Phone: 734-467-4274
Last Updated
10/25/2023
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