A test to see if acetone is present in urine, a sign of ketosis which is a complication of diabetes mellitus [After Arthur Cecil Hamel Rothera (1880—1915), biochemist in Melbourne, Australia].
A method of testing urine for the presence of acetone or acetoacetic acid: a sign of diabetes mellitus. Strong ammonia is added to a sample of urine saturated with ammonium sulfate crystals and containing a small quantity of sodium nitroprusside. A purple color confirms the presence of acetone or acetoacetic acid.