Clinical Significance

   To determine the amount of ketones (ketone bodies, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone) in your blood to help diagnose life-threatening problems such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA)

Specimen

   Blood (Capillary)

Reference Range

   < 0.6 mmol/L

Interpretation

   If blood ketone levels are increased, then you have some degree of ketosis or ketoacidosis. If levels are low or normal, then you either do not have excess ketone production or the ketone body that is elevated is not being detected by the test method used.