Which test detects acetoacetate and acetone (to a lesser degree)?

• A. Nitroprusside test
• B. Keto-Diastix
• C. Acetest Tablets
• D. Clinitest

Answer: (C)

Ketone detection in urine relies on the nitroprusside reaction, which responds most strongly to acetoacetate and, to a lesser degree, to acetone. Acetest Tablets are a prepared form of this reaction used specifically to screen for ketones in urine. When acetoacetate is present, the reagent on the tablet changes color, and acetone can also trigger a weaker color change, allowing ketone presence to be detected even if acetone is the dominant ketone in some situations. Beta-hydroxybutyrate, another major ketone body, does not produce a strong signal with this reagent, which is why this test is particularly noted for acetoacetate (and acetone to a lesser extent). The other options either test for different substances or use formats that aren’t as targeted for detecting these ketone bodies.