Urine Keytone Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Ketones are acidic by-products the liver makes when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose, and this test looks for them spilling over into the urine. A small dipstick strip is dipped into the sample and changes colour mainly in response to acetoacetate, with the result reported from negative through trace, small, moderate, to large. The commonest reason a doctor orders it is diabetes: in someone with type 1 or poorly controlled type 2 disease, ketones rising alongside high blood sugar can warn of diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous emergency that brings nausea, vomiting, deep rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and a fruity smell to the breath. But ketones also appear for harmless reasons, including overnight or prolonged fasting, a strict low-carbohydrate diet, vigorous exercise, and the simple inability to keep food down during a vomiting illness. In children, ketones are very commonly found during the gastroenteritis and febrile illnesses that are frequent in Kathmandu, where they reflect not enough food rather than diabetes. The test is especially useful in pregnancy when severe morning sickness limits eating. It is never read alone: results are interpreted alongside blood glucose, the patient's symptoms, and often a blood ketone or arterial gas measurement when ketoacidosis is suspected. A trace in a fasting morning sample is usually nothing to worry about, but moderate or large ketones with thirst, drowsiness, or rapid breathing need urgent medical review the same day.

Sample type

Urine (mid-stream)

Preparation

No fasting required, and you do not need to hold your urine. A fresh sample tested promptly gives the most reliable result. If you are diabetic, tell us about any recent insulin doses or missed meals, and mention any medicines or vitamin supplements you are taking.

Turnaround time

Reports for Urine Keytone are typically ready within: 3rd Working Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other urine tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Urine Keytone or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.