Keto Mojo: Testing Blood Glucose Levels

The Keto-Mojo meter is a blood glucose and ketone testing kit that can be used to monitor ketosis and blood sugar levels. The kit includes a meter, lancing device, lancets, and test strips. To use the device, first, prepare your hands by washing them with warm water and drying them thoroughly, or using an alcohol swab to sterilize the part of your finger that you will prick. Next, insert a lancet into the lancing device and adjust the depth selector to the appropriate setting. Prepare your hands to encourage better blood flow by rubbing or massaging the area, shaking your hands, or squeezing your finger. Insert a Keto-Mojo glucose or ketone strip into the meter, ensuring that it is pushed all the way down. Prick your finger with the lancing device and wipe away the first blood droplet with a clean paper towel or tissue. Finally, apply gentle pressure to form a new blood droplet and bring the tip of the strip to the droplet to draw the blood into the channel.

Prepare your hands to avoid contamination

To avoid contamination, it is important to prepare your hands before testing your ketone and glucose levels. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Wash your hands with warm water and dry them thoroughly. This step ensures that your hands are clean and free from any dirt or residue that could contaminate the test.
• Alternatively, if you don't have access to water, you can use an alcohol swab to sterilize the part of your finger that you will prick. Alcohol swabs are an effective way to disinfect the area and prevent any potential contamination.
• Prepare your lancing device by twisting off the top and inserting a new lancet. Press down firmly on the expansion gap and twist off the plastic lancet cap. Then, place the device cover over the lancet.
• Adjust the depth selector on the lancing device to a setting that suits your skin type. The Keto-Mojo device has five settings, ranging from the lightest to the deepest pierce. For average skin, it is recommended to start with the middle setting.
• Prepare your hands to encourage better blood flow. Rub or massage the area to be pricked, as warm hands result in improved blood flow. You can also shake your hands vigorously or try some vigorous movement to get your blood flowing.
• Grip the finger you are going to test with your index finger and thumb of your other hand and squeeze for about 12 seconds before using the lancet. This increases hypostatic pressure and makes it easier to draw blood.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your hands are clean and ready for the test, reducing the risk of contamination and improving the accuracy of your results.

Prepare your lancing device

To prepare your lancing device, follow these steps:

Firstly, twist off the top of the lancing device. Take a new lancet and insert it into the device. You should press down firmly on the expansion gap, then twist off the plastic lancet cap and place the device cover over the lancet.

The next step is to adjust the depth selector. There are five settings for the depth of the lancet's pierce, ranging from the lightest to the deepest. This is to accommodate different skin types, from soft or thin skin to thick or calloused skin. Choose the depth that you think is best for you; with experience, you will find the optimal depth for your skin. For average skin, it is recommended to start in the middle at number 3.

You can also watch a quick video on preparing the lancet device, which will give you a better idea of the process.

Prepare your hands to encourage better blood flow

To prepare your hands and encourage better blood flow before a blood glucose test, you can try the following:

Warm your hands

Warming your hands is an effective way to improve blood flow. You can do this by rubbing or massaging the area to be pricked, or by shaking your hands energetically. This will help to increase hypostatic pressure and improve blood flow.

Do hand exercises

Hand exercises such as squeezing your hand into a fist and releasing it can help to improve blood flow. You can also try gently clenching and unclenching your hand, or making a tight fist and then gently straightening your fingers. These exercises can help to get your blood flowing and warm up your hands.

Try a hand massage

Massaging your hands can help improve blood flow. You can try effleurage, a light friction technique that involves long, stroking movements done with the fingers or a flat hand. This can help to improve circulation and warm up your hands.

Wear compression gloves

Compression gloves apply pressure to your hands and fingers, which can help improve blood flow. They may also help to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Increase physical activity

Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging or yoga, can help to improve circulation. This is because exercise improves the body's ability to take in and use oxygen, and increases the capacity of blood vessels to dilate, allowing blood to flow more easily.

Insert a fresh, unused strip into your meter

To insert a fresh, unused strip into your Keto-Mojo meter, start by making sure the strip is pushed all the way down into the port. The strip should be facing up, with the blue or brown colour facing you. You should insert the electrode end into the top of the meter. You will see a blood channel, which looks like a little runway, on the top of each strip when they are the right way up.

Do not touch the top of the strip where the blood will be absorbed, as this may contaminate the sample and give you an inaccurate reading.

Once the strip is in place, the meter will automatically turn on and display a flashing droplet icon on the right-hand side of the screen. This signifies that the strip is now ready to accept your blood sample.

Prick your finger with the lancing device

Pricking your finger with the lancing device is an important step in the process of using a Keto-Mojo blood glucose test. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your hands properly to ensure accurate test results. Wash your hands with warm water and dry them thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use an alcohol swab to sterilise the part of your finger that you will prick. Preparing your hands in this way will help to prevent contamination of the test result.

Next, you need to prepare your lancing device. Start by twisting off the top of the device. Insert a new lancet into the lancing device and press down firmly on the expansion gap. Twist off the plastic lancet cap and place the device cover over the lancet. It is important to adjust the depth selector to a setting that is suitable for your skin type. There are five settings, ranging from the lightest to the deepest pierce, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. If you have average skin, it is recommended to start with the middle setting.

Before pricking your finger, you can prepare your hands to encourage better blood flow. You can do this by rubbing or massaging the area that will be pricked, as warm hands promote better blood flow. Shaking your hands energetically can also help. Additionally, you can grip the finger you are going to test with your index finger and thumb of your other hand and squeeze for about 12 seconds before using the lancet. This will increase hypostatic pressure and improve blood flow.

Now you are ready to prick your finger. It is recommended to test on the side of your finger, where the skin tends to be softer and the prick is less painful. For men or people with calloused hands, it is advised to use the ring or pinky finger. If you test regularly, alternate fingers for comfort.

After pricking your finger, wipe away the first blood droplet with a clean paper towel or tissue. This will ensure more accurate results, as the first droplet may contain more interstitial fluid than capillary blood. It is important to note that tissues with lotion or aloe should not be used.

If you are having difficulty forming a blood droplet, you can use gravity to your advantage by lowering your hand below hip height and gently squeezing your finger. Start at the part closest to your palm and work your way down your finger until a blood droplet forms.

Remember to only apply gentle pressure to help form the blood droplet. Avoid excessively squeezing your finger after pricking it, as this can increase interstitial fluid and affect the accuracy of your results.

Frequently asked questions