Blood test by a lab

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample. It's usually taken from an arm.

Blood test at home

Some home blood sugar meters can also measure blood ketones. You use the same finger-prick method that you use to measure blood sugar. There are also meters that only measure blood ketones.

Urine test

There are different types of at-home urine tests. They use either test strips or tablets to test for ketones. You collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle of test strips or tablets.

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Blood test by a laboratory

You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Blood test at home

Your finger may feel sore after pricking it for a drop of blood for the test.

Urine test

There is normally no discomfort involved with collecting a urine sample.

Blood test by a laboratory

There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. A small bruise may form at the site. To lower the chance of bruising, keep pressure on the site for several minutes.

Blood test at home

There is very little risk of complications from testing your blood for ketones with a home blood sugar meter.

Urine test

There are no risks associated with collecting a urine sample.

Blood test at home

Home blood sugar meters that also test for ketones display results on the meter's screen.

In people who have diabetes, blood ketones are expected to be lower than 0.6 mmol/L.

Urine test

Ketones are present in the urine if:

• The test strip changes color after dipping it into the urine.
• The urine changes color after placing the test tablet in it.

You usually compare the color of the test strip or urine to a chart to find out if ketones are present.

High values

You may have ketones if you:

• Have poorly controlled diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, Opens dialog.
• Are on a very low-carbohydrate or high-fat diet.
• Are starving or have an eating disorder, including disorders that result in poor nutrition such as anorexia nervosa, Opens dialog or bulimia, Opens dialog, alcohol use disorder, Opens dialog, or poisoning from drinking rubbing alcohol (isopropanol).
• Have not eaten (fasted) for 18 hours or longer.
• Are pregnant. Some women have low levels of ketones during pregnancy and this does not affect the fetus. But a moderate or high amount of ketones in a pregnant woman may harm the fetus and may be an indication of gestational diabetes.

The level of ketones, and not just the presence of ketones, may be important to your doctor as well. Many conditions can change ketone levels. Fasting usually causes only mild increases in the level. But ketone levels in diabetic ketoacidosis are much higher. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.