Urine Ketones Bodies
Urine Ketone Bodies test is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of ketones in urine. Ketones are chemicals produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose.
Normally, ketones are either absent or present in very small amounts. Elevated ketone levels in urine may indicate that the body is using fat as its primary energy source, which can occur in conditions such as diabetes mellitus, prolonged fasting, starvation, or low-carbohydrate diets.
This test is especially important in identifying diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes.
A urine sample is analysed using chemical methods to detect ketone bodies such as acetoacetate. The presence and level of ketones help assess metabolic status and energy utilization in the body.
The purpose of this test is to:
- Detect ketone bodies in urine
- Identify abnormal fat metabolism
- Diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Monitor diabetes control
- Evaluate metabolic conditions