urine Ketone Bodies
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
Collect the first morning urine sample in the sterile container we give you.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Ketones appear in urine when the body burns fat instead of sugar — in uncontrolled diabetes, fasting or vomiting.
Why is this test done?
- Check diabetic ketoacidosis
- Vomiting or fasting
- Pregnancy vomiting
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fruity breath
- Excess thirst
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
Ketones in urine with high sugar can be a medical emergency.
Common reasons- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Fasting or low-carb diet
- Vomiting
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Give a urine sample
Collect a mid-stream urine sample in the sterile container we give you (first morning urine is best).
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a urine sample. Collect the first morning urine sample in the sterile container we give you.