Keto Strips: How Long Do They Work For?

Ketone strips are used to measure ketosis, a natural metabolic state that the body enters when following a very low-carb diet or during starvation. Ketosis is a desirable state for those on the keto diet, a low-carb, high-fat and moderate-protein diet.

There are two types of keto strips: urine and blood. Urine strips are small strips that change colour when they come into contact with ketones in the urine. The darker the colour, the higher the ketone levels. Blood strips are a more accurate but more expensive way of measuring ketosis.

Urine strips are ideal for those new to the keto diet as they are easy to use and affordable. However, they are not always accurate, especially for those who have been on the keto diet for several months. Blood strips are more suitable in this case as they provide a more accurate picture of ketone levels.

How to use keto strips

Keto strips are used to measure the level of ketones in your urine or blood. They are particularly useful for people on the ketogenic diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat and moderate-protein diet. The presence of ketones in the body indicates a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. This can lead to weight loss, blood sugar control and other health benefits.

There are two types of keto strips: urine and blood. Urine strips are ideal for people new to the keto diet as they are easy and affordable. Blood strips are more accurate but also more expensive.

Using Urine Keto Strips:

• Wash your hands and collect a urine sample in a clean container.
• Immerse the absorptive end of the strip into the sample for a few seconds.
• Remove the strip and shake off any excess liquid.
• Wait for the amount of time specified on the package for the strip to change colour.
• Compare the colour of the strip to the colour chart provided with your kit. The darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels.
• Dispose of the urine and strip appropriately, then wash your hands.

Using Blood Keto Strips:

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Insert a blood ketone test strip into a blood ketone meter, following the directions provided.
• Prick your finger with a lancing device to draw a small drop of blood.
• Bring the strip into contact with the drop of blood and check the results.
• Dispose of the strip and lancet as per the directions.

Tips for Using Keto Strips:

• For the most accurate results, follow the directions on the kit exactly.
• Only use kits that are within their expiration date. Urine strips typically expire within 3-6 months of opening, while blood strips last 12-18 months.
• Store your keto strips properly. Do not expose them to sunlight or moisture, and keep them away from young children and pets.
• If using urine strips, it is best to test your urine at a specific time of day, such as in the morning or several hours after your last meal, for better comparison.
• If you are on the keto diet, it is recommended to test your ketone levels once a week or as advised by your doctor.

Limitations of Keto Strips:

• Keto strips are not always accurate, especially urine strips. They may indicate that you are not in ketosis even if you are. This is because urine strips only measure unused or excessive ketones that the body does not use.
• The concentration of ketones in your urine can be affected by your hydration levels, giving you an inaccurate reading.
• Blood keto strips are more accurate but are also more expensive and require pricking your finger each time you test.

In conclusion, keto strips can be a useful tool for monitoring your ketone levels, especially when starting the keto diet. However, they have limitations and should not be solely relied upon to determine your state of ketosis.

Accuracy of keto strips

Keto strips are a popular tool for people on the keto diet to measure whether they are in a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel. However, they are not always 100% accurate and have some limitations.

Keto strips are a form of urinalysis that measures the volume of acetoacetate, one of the three types of ketone bodies, in the urine. The process involves holding the end of the strip in a urine sample for a few seconds, shaking off the excess liquid, and then waiting for the strip to change colour. The colour of the strip is then compared to a colour chart to determine the level of ketosis.

Limitations of Keto Strips

• Ketones in Urine Do Not Reflect Overall Ketone Levels: The strips only show the number of excess ketones that the body couldn't use, so a small level of ketones in the urine does not necessarily mean that the levels in the blood are also small or that the body is not in ketosis.
• Hydration Levels: While hydration levels may not significantly affect the readings for most people, over-hydration may dilute the urine and affect the results, while dehydration may lead to higher concentrations of ketones.
• Adaptation to Ketosis: When the body first enters ketosis, it may not be using ketones efficiently, resulting in a higher concentration of waste ketones in the urine. As the body adapts to burning fat for fuel and becomes more adept at burning ketones for energy, the volume of ketones excreted will decrease, leading to lower readings on the keto strips even though the body is deeper in ketosis.
• Subjectivity: The readings from keto strips are somewhat subjective, as they involve comparing the colour on the strip to the colour chart on the package.
• Time of Testing: Ketone levels in the urine can vary throughout the day. According to a 2016 study, the most reliable urine tests were from the first morning urine and 3-4 hours after dinner.

Alternative Methods to Measure Ketones

There are two alternative methods to measure ketone levels that are more accurate than keto strips:

• Blood Ketone Meters: These measure the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate, the second main type of ketone body, in the blood. They are more accurate than urine strips but are also more expensive and require pricking your finger for a blood sample.
• Breath Ketone Analyzers: These measure the level of acetone, the third type of ketone body, in the breath. They are less accurate than blood meters but are a one-time purchase and can be reused as much as you want, making them the most cost-effective option.

While keto strips are a reasonably accurate and cheap way to detect someone's approximate state of ketosis, especially for those new to the keto diet, they are not always 100% accurate and have some limitations. For a more accurate measurement of ketone levels, blood ketone meters or breath ketone analyzers are recommended.

When to use keto strips

Keto strips are used to measure the level of ketones in your body when you are on a ketogenic diet. They are particularly useful if you are new to the keto diet and want to ensure you are headed towards ketosis.

If you are on a ketogenic diet, your doctor will probably tell you to test your ketones when:

• Your blood sugar is higher than 250 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) for two days in a row.
• You're sick or you've been injured.
• You want to exercise and your blood sugar level is over 250 mg/dL.
• You've missed an insulin injection.
• You're on your period.
• You've been unable to eat.
• Your insulin pump stops working.

You should also take the test if you begin to experience some of the signs of DKA (a serious diabetes complication) such as:

• Fruity-smelling breath
• Dry mouth or dehydration
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

If your blood sugar level is high or you're sick, check your ketone levels every 4 to 6 hours. If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, test them every morning before you eat breakfast.

Keto strips are not a must when you are on a ketogenic diet. They are useful when you are having a cheat day or a diet break.

Pros and cons of keto strips

Keto strips are a popular way for people on the keto diet to check whether they are in ketosis. There are two types of keto strips: urine and blood. Here are some pros and cons to using each type:

Urine Strips

Pros:

• They are a cheap and convenient way to find out if you are in ketosis.
• They are easy to use and can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as online.
• They are ideal if you are new to the keto diet and want a general indication of whether you are in ketosis.

Cons:

• They are not very accurate, especially if you have been on the keto diet for a long time. They measure the level of acetoacetate in your urine, which is an unused ketone, and as your body adapts to the keto diet, it becomes more optimised in ketone production, so less goes to waste.
• Your hydration levels can also affect the concentration of ketones in your urine, giving you an inaccurate reading.
• They are not suitable for long-term use as they can mislead you into thinking you are no longer in ketosis when you are.

Blood Strips

Pros:

• They are a more accurate way to measure ketone levels in your body.
• They show an exact and real-time measurement of the ketones in your blood.
• They are more suitable if you have been on the keto diet for several months and want a detailed picture of your ketone levels.

Cons:

• They are more expensive.
• You need a meter to read the blood strips, which can be costly.
• You have to prick your finger to draw blood, which some people may not like doing.

Overall, urine strips are a good option if you are new to the keto diet and want a general idea of whether you are in ketosis. However, if you want a more accurate reading of your ketone levels, especially if you have been on the keto diet for a while, blood strips are a better option, despite being more expensive and less convenient.

Where to buy keto strips

If you're looking to buy keto strips, you have a few options. You can purchase them over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket, or you can buy them online. Some specific retailers that sell keto strips include Walgreens and Walmart. When buying keto strips, you'll want to consider how many strips are included in the kit, as well as the expiration date. Typically, keto strips expire within three to six months of opening, so it's important to only buy what you need and will use within that time frame.

Keto strips are a great way to measure whether you're in ketosis, especially if you're new to the keto diet. They are an easy, affordable, and convenient way to ensure you're on the right track. Remember to follow the directions on the kit for the most accurate results and always dispose of the strips and any urine samples appropriately.

Frequently asked questions