Health Encyclopedia

Serum ketones

Definition

This test measures the amount of ketones (substances produced when fat cells break down) in the blood.

Alternative Names

Acetone bodies; Ketones - serum; Nitroprusside test; Ketone bodies - serum

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

Fast for 4 hours before the test.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

This test is used to diagnose ketoacidosis.

Normal values

A normal test result would be negative, meaning there are no ketone bodies in the blood.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

A test result is positive if ketones are found in the blood. This may indicate:

Alcoholic ketoacidosis
Starvation
Uncontrolled blood glucose in diabetics

What the risks are

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Special considerations

A diet low in carbohydrates can increase ketone bodies.

References

Cooper HH, Krainik AJ, Lubner SJ, Reno HEL, eds. The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics. 32nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2007.

Review Date:10/31/2007
Reviewed By:Robert Hurd, M.D., Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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