Which test is ten times more sensitive to acetoacetate than to acetone?

Which test is ten times more sensitive to acetoacetate than to acetone?

• A. Acetest Tablets
• B. Nitroprusside test
• C. Clinitest
• D. Rothera test

Answer: (B)

Ketone detection in urine relies on a reaction that is highly sensitive to acetoacetate but not to acetone. The nitroprusside-based test forms a strong colored complex with acetoacetate under alkaline conditions, giving a vivid color, while acetone reacts only very weakly. Because of this, the test is about ten times more sensitive to acetoacetate than to acetone, making it the best choice for detecting acetoacetate specifically. Other options either target different substances (like reducing sugars) or are ketone tests that aren’t as selectively sensitive to acetoacetate.

Ketone detection in urine relies on a reaction that is highly sensitive to acetoacetate but not to acetone. The nitroprusside-based test forms a strong colored complex with acetoacetate under alkaline conditions, giving a vivid color, while acetone reacts only very weakly. Because of this, the test is about ten times more sensitive to acetoacetate than to acetone, making it the best choice for detecting acetoacetate specifically. Other options either target different substances (like reducing sugars) or are ketone tests that aren’t as selectively sensitive to acetoacetate.