Keto Testing: How Do Abbot Strips Work?

Ketone test strips are used to measure the level of ketones in your urine when you're on a ketogenic diet. The strips are made from a type of paper that changes colour when it reacts with your urine. The darker the strip turns, the more ketone bodies are detected. Abbott, a healthcare company, offers ketone test strips in the form of its FreeStyle Optium β Ketone Test Strips, which are used for self-testing your blood ketones.

How to use the Abbot keto test strip

Step 1: Wash your hands

It is important to start with clean hands to avoid any contamination that might affect the results of the test.

Step 2: Collect a urine sample

Pass the end of the strip briefly through your urine stream, or pee in a small, clean container and dip the test end of the strip into the urine sample.

Step 3: Wait for the strip to change colour

Wait for a few seconds (or as indicated on the test package) for the end of the strip to change colour. You may shake the strip in the container to remove any excess liquid.

Step 4: Compare the colour with the colour chart

Compare the new colour of your ketone strip with the colour chart on the test package. This will indicate the level of ketones in your urine.

Step 5: Dispose of the strip and wash your hands

Once you have your results, throw away the urine strip and wash your hands.

Additional tips:

• For the most accurate results, test daily, preferably at the same time of day, either morning or evening.
• To keep results accurate and reliable, collect a clean-catch urine sample, replace the cap of the strips after every use, do not expose the strips to sunlight or moisture, do not remove the desiccants, and do not touch the testing area with your hands.
• Check the expiry date before testing.

What the results mean

The results of the Abbot keto test strip will be a colour change on the strip, which you can then compare to the colour chart on the test package. The deeper the colour, the more ketone bodies are detected in your urine.

• Negative (no ketones): You are not in ketosis at all
• Trace (0.5 mmol/L): This means light nutritional ketosis
• Small (1.5 mmol/L): This means light nutritional ketosis
• Moderate (4.0 mmol/L): Ketones increase further as a result of exercise or fasting
• Large (8.0 mmol/L): Usually a result of prolonged fasting, not sustainable in the long term
• Larger (16 mmol/L): Usually a result of prolonged fasting, not sustainable in the long term

Note: mmol/L stands for millimoles per litre, and it refers to the concentration of ketones in a specific amount of liquid — in this case, your urine.

The optimum level for ketosis falls between 0.5 and 2 mmol/L. However, higher ketones are not necessarily better for everyone. While high ketone levels (5 mmol/L and above) can lead to more significant weight loss, this may eventually result in nutrient deprivation and a loss of muscle mass.

Other ways to test for ketosis

When using the Abbot Keto Test Strips, a small drop of blood is applied to the strip, which then changes color based on the concentration of ketones present. The strip contains a reagent that reacts with the ketones in the blood, causing this color change. This visual indicator provides a quantitative result, with the shade of color corresponding to a specific ketone level. While these test strips are a convenient and popular method for testing ketosis, there are also other ways to check your ketone levels and monitor your state of ketosis.

Breath Ketone Analyzers: These devices measure the concentration of acetone in your breath. When your body is in ketosis, it produces ketones, including acetone, which is excreted in the breath. The analyzer measures the number of acetone particles in your breath, providing a reading of your ketone levels. To use a breath ketone analyzer, you simply blow into the device, and it will give you a numerical value or a color-coded reading.

Urine Ketone Testing: Another way to test for ketosis is through urine analysis. Similar to the blood test strips, there are urine ketone test strips available that change color based on the presence of ketones in your urine. Usually, this method is less expensive and can be convenient for those who want a quick check. However, urine testing may not be as accurate as blood or breath testing, especially for long-term ketosis maintenance, as the presence of ketones in the urine can vary throughout the day.

Blood Ketone Meters: These devices provide a more direct measurement of ketone levels in your blood. A small drop of blood is applied to a test strip, which is then inserted into the meter. The meter provides a numerical reading of your blood ketone levels. This method is considered highly accurate and is often used in clinical settings. Blood ketone meters can be more expensive than test strips, but they offer precise and quantitative results.

Checking for Ketosis Symptoms: In addition to the quantitative methods mentioned above, you can also monitor your body for signs and symptoms of ketosis. For example, increased thirst and frequent urination are common indicators that your body is transitioning to a state of ketosis. Some people may also experience a slight change in their breath odor, often described as a fruity or slightly sweet smell, which is caused by the presence of acetone in the breath. Monitoring these symptoms can provide additional insight into your body's state of ketosis.

It is important to note that the accuracy of these methods can vary, and external factors such as hydration levels or the timing of your last meal can influence the results. For consistent and accurate monitoring of ketosis, it is recommended to use a combination of these methods and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs and goals.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

DKA is more common in people with type 1 diabetes but can also occur in those with type 2 diabetes, especially if they have uncontrolled blood sugar, miss medication doses, or experience a severe illness or infection. Symptoms of DKA include frequent urination, deep and rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, muscle stiffness or aches, nausea, and vomiting. It can develop slowly, but severe symptoms can appear quickly, sometimes within 24 hours.

To prevent DKA, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels, especially when sick, and keep them within the target range. Taking prescribed medications and adjusting insulin doses based on diet, activity level, and illness are also crucial. Testing for ketones using urine strips or blood meters is recommended when blood sugar is 240 mg/dL or above, or when symptoms of DKA are present. If ketone levels are moderate or high, immediate medical attention is necessary as it is a medical emergency.

Treatment for DKA typically involves receiving fluids, electrolytes, and insulin in a hospital setting. It also includes addressing any underlying causes, such as infections, with appropriate medications. While most people respond to treatment within 24 hours, it can sometimes take longer to recover fully.

How to achieve optimal ketone levels

To achieve optimal ketone levels, you must restrict your carb intake. Most people on the keto diet keep their carb intake to less than 50 grams of total carbs or 25 grams of net carbs per day. Net carbs refer to the total number of carbs minus the amount of fibre.

Once you have restricted your carb intake, your body will start to burn through its stored glycogen, and you will enter a state of ketosis, where your body burns fat as its main source of fuel.

Optimal ketone levels for weight loss are typically between 0.5 and 3 mmol/L. However, the optimal level will depend on your goals. For example, people looking to use the ketogenic diet for therapeutic benefits for medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, or endocrine and metabolic disorders, are generally directed to aim for much higher ketone levels, in the range of 3.0 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L.

You can measure your ketone levels with a blood ketone meter, urine test strips, or a breath test. Blood ketone readings are the gold standard, but breath readings are catching up with devices like the BIOSENSE® breath ketone meter. Urine strips are the least accurate testing method but are also the least expensive.

It's worth noting that you don't need to test your ketone levels at all to be successful on the keto diet. Many people gauge whether or not they're in ketosis based on how their body feels—for example, reduced hunger and more energy are signs of ketosis.

Frequently asked questions