Medical Health Encyclopedia

Ketones - urine

If the collection is being taken from an infant, extra collection bags may be necessary.

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

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Why the test is performed:

Ketones (beta-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid, and acetone) are the end-product of rapid or excessive fatty-acid breakdown. As is the case with glucose, ketones will be present in the urine when the blood levels of ketone surpass a certain threshold.

Fatty-acid release from adipose tissue (body fat) is stimulated by a number of hormones including glucagon, epinephrine, and growth hormone. The levels of these hormones increase in starvation (whether related to excess alcohol use or not), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and a number of other conditions.

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