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Serum ketones test - Results

Alternative Names

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

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

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 3/14/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Khan MI, Weinstock RS. Carbohydrates. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 16.

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