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Acetone

Urine Analysis Biomarker

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Collection Type: Urine

Body System

Related System: Urine Analysis

Overview

Acetone is one of the three ketone bodies produced during fatty acid breakdown (along with acetoacetate and beta‑hydroxybutyrate). A urine acetone (ketone) test detects ketone bodies that spill into the urine when carbohydrate availability is low or fat metabolism is increased. Elevated urinary acetone suggests ketosis, which can occur with fasting, prolonged exercise, low‑carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, pregnancy, vomiting, heavy alcohol use, or uncontrolled diabetes (risking diabetic ketoacidosis). Symptoms prompting testing include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, confusion or rapid breathing. Children, pregnant people and individuals with diabetes or recent illness are more likely to have ketonuria; age and sex do not substantially change the interpretation, though pediatric and pregnancy contexts increase clinical concern.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: included in a Urine Analysis / Urine Ketone panel.
Symptoms: persistent vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, weakness, altered consciousness, rapid breathing.
Conditions: detects/monitors ketosis and helps identify diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), starvation ketosis, dehydration, or ketogenic diet effects.
Reasons for abnormal levels: fasting, low-carb diets, prolonged exercise, pregnancy, alcohol misuse, insulin deficiency.
Biological meaning: elevated acetone indicates increased fat metabolism and insufficient carbohydrate oxidation.
Lifestyle/family history: recent dieting/fasting, alcohol use, type 1 diabetes or family history of diabetes may prompt testing.

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Understanding Test Results

Trace/positive detection thresholds on common urine ketone tests are roughly: trace 5 mg/dL, small 15 mg/dL, moderate 40 mg/dL, large 80 mg/dL.
A negative result (0 mg/dL) is normal.
Trace to small (≈5–15 mg/dL) often reflects mild ketosis from fasting, low‑carb dieting, pregnancy, or acute illness and may only need dietary/rehydration changes.
Moderate (≈40 mg/dL) suggests significant ketosis; evaluate for dehydration, prolonged fasting, infection or inadequate insulin in diabetics.
Large (≥80 mg/dL) is concerning for severe ketosis and, in a person with hyperglycemia or symptoms (nausea, vomiting, altered mental status), strongly suggests diabetic ketoacidosis urgent medical evaluation required.
Note: most urine dipsticks detect acetoacetate more readily than acetone or beta‑hydroxybutyrate; blood ketone testing (beta‑hydroxybutyrate) may be needed for precise assessment.

Normal Range

Negative Not detectable (0 mg/dL)

FAQs

Q: What is the acetone used for?

A: Acetone is a powerful solvent used to remove nail polish and adhesives, clean and degrease surfaces or laboratory glassware, and dissolve plastics, resins and paints. Industry uses it in manufacture of plastics and fibers and as a laboratory reagent. It is also produced in small amounts by the body during fat metabolism and elevated in ketosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Q: Is acetone safe for nails?

A: Acetone effectively removes polish and artificial nails but is drying and can weaken, dehydrate, and split natural nails and irritate surrounding skin with repeated or prolonged use. Limit soak times, use sparingly, moisturize and apply cuticle oil after use, and allow recovery between treatments. Avoid inhaling fumes, keep away from flames, and consider gentler non‑acetone removers for sensitive or damaged nails.

Q: Is acetone a ketone or alcohol?

A: Acetone is a ketone specifically propanone (C3H6O) featuring a carbonyl (C=O) bonded to two methyl groups. It is not an alcohol, which contains a hydroxyl (–OH) group. Acetone is a polar, aprotic solvent, miscible with water and highly flammable; it’s commonly used in nail‑polish remover, cleaning agents, and laboratory applications.

Q: Is acetone bad for skin?

A: Acetone can be harmful to skin with repeated or prolonged exposure. It strips oils, causing dryness, redness, cracking, irritation and can trigger contact dermatitis. Brief incidental contact usually isn’t dangerous—wash thoroughly with soap and water and apply moisturizer. Use gloves for frequent or occupational contact. If you develop severe redness, blistering, numbness, or signs of chemical burn, seek medical advice.

Q: Can I use nail polish remover instead of acetone?

A: You can use nail polish remover only if it contains acetone—check the label. Pure acetone removes gel, acrylic and glitter faster; non-acetone removers (ethyl acetate, isopropyl) are milder but slower and may not dissolve acrylic/gel effectively. For artificial nails or heavy finishes, use acetone; for regular polish or sensitive skin, pick non-acetone. Work in a ventilated area and avoid prolonged skin contact.

Q: Is acetone a sanitizer?

A: No acetone is a solvent, not a sanitizer. It removes oils and residues but isn’t formulated or approved to reliably kill viruses or bacteria, can irritate or damage skin, and is flammable. Use proven disinfectants (alcohol-based sanitizers with ≥60% ethanol/isopropyl alcohol, diluted bleach, or approved surface disinfectants) for sanitizing hands or surfaces.