Which test is used to detect ketone bodies in urine?

Which test is used to detect ketone bodies in urine?

• A. Benedict's test
• B. Clinitest
• C. Acetopest Tablets
• D. Rothera test

Answer: (C)

Detecting ketone bodies in urine relies on a nitroprusside-based reaction. Ketone bodies such as acetoacetate and acetone react with nitroprusside to produce a color change, making the test a quick screen for ketonuria. Acetest tablets contain sodium nitroprusside and are designed for this purpose; when dissolved in urine that contains ketones, they yield a noticeable color change, typically a purple or pink hue, indicating ketone presence. This method is especially useful for monitoring patients at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or during fasting or starvation. Benedict's test and Clinitest are not used for ketones—they target reducing sugars like glucose and other reducing substances, based on copper reduction, so they won’t reliably signal ketone bodies. Rothera’s test is another older method that also detects ketone bodies using nitroprusside, but Acetest tablets are the common, convenient bedside option for this purpose. It's also good to remember that nitroprusside-based tests mainly detect acetoacetate and acetone, not all ketone forms, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Detecting ketone bodies in urine relies on a nitroprusside-based reaction. Ketone bodies such as acetoacetate and acetone react with nitroprusside to produce a color change, making the test a quick screen for ketonuria. Acetest tablets contain sodium nitroprusside and are designed for this purpose; when dissolved in urine that contains ketones, they yield a noticeable color change, typically a purple or pink hue, indicating ketone presence. This method is especially useful for monitoring patients at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or during fasting or starvation.

Benedict's test and Clinitest are not used for ketones—they target reducing sugars like glucose and other reducing substances, based on copper reduction, so they won’t reliably signal ketone bodies. Rothera’s test is another older method that also detects ketone bodies using nitroprusside, but Acetest tablets are the common, convenient bedside option for this purpose. It's also good to remember that nitroprusside-based tests mainly detect acetoacetate and acetone, not all ketone forms, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate.