Keto Sticks: How Long To Pee And Get Results?

Ketone strips, also known as keto strips or ketone test strips, are thin paper strips that detect ketones in urine. They are a cheap and convenient way to test for ketosis, especially for those on the keto diet. The strips are made from a type of paper that changes colour as it reacts with your urine, with the darker the colour, the more ketone bodies are detected. The process involves urinating on a strip, waiting for it to change colour, and then comparing the colour to a chart to determine ketone levels. However, it's important to note that ketone strips may not be accurate for those who have been on the keto diet for a long time, as the body becomes more efficient at using ketones for fuel, resulting in fewer ketones in the urine.

How to pee on a keto stick

Keto sticks are a great way to test if your body is in ketosis, a natural metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pee on a keto stick:

Step 1: Prepare the Urine Sample

You can either pee directly onto the keto stick or into a small, clean container. If you choose to use a container, make sure it is disposable, and you can find these at any grocery store.

Step 2: Pee on the Keto Stick

If you are urinating directly onto the keto stick, hold it over the toilet bowl to avoid any mess. Make sure not to dip the keto stick into the toilet water as it will dilute the sample. If you are using a container, dip about a quarter of an inch of the chemically sensitive end of the keto stick into the urine sample. This end will be slightly thicker than the other.

Step 3: Wait for the Keto Stick to Change Colour

As your urine reacts with the chemicals on the keto stick, it will turn yellow, maroon, or purple. Refer to the instructions on the packaging for how long you should wait, but it is usually around 40 seconds to one minute. Waiting too long or not long enough can result in an inaccurate reading.

Step 4: Compare the Colour to the Colour Chart

Hold the keto stick next to the colour chart on the packaging and find the closest colour match. The colour will correspond to the concentration of ketones in your urine, with darker colours indicating higher ketone levels.

Step 5: Interpret the Results

The standard ketone level descriptors are "Trace," "Small," "Moderate," and "Large." These will also correspond to numerical values, such as 0.5, 1.5, 4.0, etc. If you are on a keto diet and the result is "Trace" or "Small," you may need to cut down on carbs or consume more protein.

Step 6: Dispose of the Keto Stick and Wash Your Hands

It is important to dispose of the keto stick properly and then wash your hands after completing the test.

How long to hold the keto stick in the urine

To check your ketone levels, you can use a keto stick, also known as a ketone strip or ketone test strip. These are thin paper strips with a small reactive pad at one end that detects ketone presence in urine.

Step 1: Collect a urine sample

You can either urinate into a disposable cup or pass the keto stick through your urine stream. If you are using a cup, ensure it is clean.

Step 2: Dip the keto stick into the urine

Dip about a quarter of an inch of the chemically sensitive end of the keto stick into the urine sample. The chemically sensitive end is usually slightly thicker than the other end. Hold the keto stick over the toilet bowl to avoid any mess.

Step 3: Wait for the keto stick to change colour

As the urine reacts with the chemicals on the keto stick, it will turn yellow, maroon, or purple. Follow the instructions on the packaging, which will tell you how long to wait. Most keto sticks require you to wait for around 40 seconds to a minute for accurate results.

Step 4: Compare the colour of the keto stick to the colour chart on the packaging

Hold the keto stick next to the colour chart on the packaging and find the colour square that best matches your keto stick. If your keto stick's colour falls between two colour squares, assume that the higher reading is the more accurate result.

Step 5: Read the numerical value under the matching colour square

Each colour square will have a corresponding number and description, such as "Trace," "Small," "Moderate," or "Large." These numbers represent the amount of ketone in your urine in units of milligrams per decilitre or millimoles per litre.

Step 6: Dispose of the keto stick and wash your hands

It is important to dispose of the keto stick properly and wash your hands after using it.

It is recommended to test your ketone levels at a specific time of day, such as in the early morning or several hours after your last meal, for the best comparison. Additionally, ensure that you are consistent with your testing times, as ketone levels can fluctuate throughout the day.

It is also important to note that keto sticks may not provide accurate results if you have been following a ketogenic diet for several months. This is because, over time, your body becomes more adapted to using ketones for fuel, resulting in fewer ketones being excreted in your urine. In this case, blood or breath testing may be more accurate methods for measuring ketone levels.

How long to wait for colour change

The amount of time it takes for a keto stick to change colour depends on the type of keto strip being used.

For keto strips that require immersion in a urine sample, the wait time is typically between 15 seconds to one minute. The specific wait time varies between products, so it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging. For example, some sources state that the wait time is 40 seconds, while others state that it is a few seconds.

For keto strips that allow for urinating directly onto the strip, the process is faster. One source states that the strip will change colour in under a minute.

How to compare the colour change

After you have urinated on the keto stick, you will need to wait for the colour to develop. Different manufacturers will have different development times, so it is important to check the instructions on the packaging. Some sources suggest waiting for up to a minute, while others suggest waiting for 40 seconds or the time indicated on the packaging.

Once the colour has developed, you can compare the colour of the keto stick to the colour chart on the packaging. The packaging will have a series of coloured squares, and you will need to find the square that best matches your keto stick. If the colour of your keto stick falls between two colours on the chart, it is recommended that you assume the higher reading.

The colour of the keto stick will correspond to the concentration of ketones in your urine. The darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels.

It is important to note that the accuracy of keto sticks can vary depending on the time of day, hydration levels, and other factors. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to test your ketone levels at the same time every day, such as in the morning before consuming liquids.

How to dispose of the keto stick

It is important to dispose of keto sticks properly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do so:

Firstly, always wash your hands after handling the keto strips, as you have handled a bodily fluid. This is important for basic hygiene and to prevent the spread of any potential germs.

Secondly, dispose of the keto strip itself. The strip should be wrapped up and placed in a bin. Do not flush the strip down the toilet, as this could cause blockages. If you are using a cup to collect the urine sample, this should also be disposed of in the bin. If you are urinating directly onto the strip, there will be no cup to dispose of.

Thirdly, always follow any specific disposal instructions on the packaging. Some keto strip kits may have specific instructions that should be followed. If there are no instructions provided, then follow the general guidelines outlined above.

Finally, if you are using a lancet to draw blood, this should also be disposed of safely. Lancets are sharp and can cause injury if not handled correctly, so always use a sharps bin for disposal. If you do not have access to a sharps bin, the lancet can be wrapped in thick material, such as cardboard, to protect against accidental injury, and then placed in the bin.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are disposing of keto sticks and related items in a safe and responsible manner.

Frequently asked questions