Serum Ketones
Alternate Names : Acetone Bodies, Ketone Bodies - Serum, Ketones - Serum, Nitroprusside Test
Definition A test that measures the amount of ketones in the blood. Any amount is considered abnormal.
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Why is the Test Performed?
This test is used in the diagnosis of ketoacidosis, an acute diagnosis often made in an urgent care center of emergency department. A patient suspected of having ketoacidosis may have already had a urine test showing ketones in the urine or a blood test showing low levels of bicarbonate, indicating acid in the blood.
Ketone bodies (acetone, acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric) are synthesized by the liver from excess fatty acids. Various tissues in the body, especially muscle, can use ketone bodies as a source of energy.
Fatty acids are released from the adipose (fat) tissue when it is stimulated by glucagon, growth hormone, and/or epinephrine. These hormones increase when serum glucose levels are low (hypoglycemia). In normal individuals this serves a useful purpose because certain tissues, especially muscle, can use the fatty acids or ketone bodies for energy in lieu of glucose (which is then saved for the tissues which survive solely on glucose, particularly the brain and red blood cells).
The main causes of significant ketosis (elevated ketone bodies) are uncontrolled diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism. These physiologic processes may lead to excess acetoacetic acid or beta-hydroxybutyric acid production, resulting in a metabolic acidosis.
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