Ketones in urine
Explanation
A urine ketone test checks for ketones in a urine sample, often with a test strip. Ketones are substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy. They may appear with reduced food intake, diabetes or other circumstances, so the meaning depends on the amount and the clinical situation.
Does a positive result mean ketoacidosis?
Not by itself. Ketoacidosis is a serious condition in which ketones build up and the blood becomes too acidic. To diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis, clinicians also check blood acidity and blood sugar and consider whether the person has diabetes. Blood sugar is not always very high. A urine result alone cannot establish this diagnosis.
How is this different from a blood ketone test?
Common urine strips detect a different ketone from the main one measured in blood when ketoacidosis is suspected. Their results are not interchangeable.
Urine testing can underestimate the problem early and may remain positive during recovery, even as the blood results improve. If a clinician suspects ketoacidosis, a negative urine strip does not rule it out.
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