Use Semiquantitative test to evaluate ketonuria; detect acidosis and ketoacidosis of alcoholism and diabetes mellitus; monitor known diabetics, in type I patients when ill, during marked hyperglycemia, and in type II diabetics during acute illness. In pregnancy, the risk of ketosis is increased. All pregnant type I diabetics are advised to monitor urine for ketosis in first morning urine and when blood glucose is >150 mg/dL.
Limitations Highly pigmented urine may cause a false-positive result (trace or less). Large amounts of levodopa metabolites and compounds containing sulfhydry groups such as mesna (2-mercaptoethane sulfonic acid) may cause false-positive results.
