Keto Diastix: Testing And Tracking Your Ketone Levels

Keto diastix are urine test strips that can be used to measure the presence of ketones in your body. Ketones are produced when your body breaks down stored fat for energy, which happens when you're on a low-carb keto diet or if you have diabetes. To use keto diastix, you first wash your hands, then take a urine sample in a small container. You then dip the test strip into the urine sample and wait for it to change colour. Finally, you compare the colour of the strip to the colour chart on the packaging to determine the concentration of ketones in your urine.

Wash hands and collect a urine sample in a small container

To begin the process of using keto strips, you must first wash your hands. This is an important step to ensure that your hands are clean and free of any substances that could potentially interfere with the test results. After washing your hands, it's time to collect a urine sample.

For the collection process, you will need a small container. It is important that the container is clean, as any residual substances could also affect the accuracy of the test. You can opt to urinate directly into the container or, if you prefer, you can urinate into a toilet and then use a clean spoon or cup to transfer a small amount of urine into the container. Either way, make sure you have a small container with a fresh urine sample.

The size of the container is important because you will need to ensure that it is small enough for the next step in the process, which is immersing the keto strip. You don't want to be dealing with a container that is too large and from which it is difficult to immerse the strip properly. A small container helps ensure that the test is conducted accurately and with minimal mess or waste.

So, to recap, wash your hands thoroughly and collect a urine sample in a small, clean container. This sets the foundation for accurately and hygienically conducting a keto strip test to measure ketone levels in your urine.

Dip the strip into the urine for a few seconds

When you are ready to test your urine for ketones, dip the strip into the urine for a few seconds. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your keto strips, as different brands may have different requirements. For example, Ketostix® test strips should be dipped into fresh urine and then removed, while other strips may be briefly passed through the urine stream.

It is important to only dip the absorptive or test end of the strip into the urine. The other end of the strip should not be contaminated by urine, moisture, or touch. This is because the strip works by reacting with your urine and changing colour, and you need a clear area to compare with the colour chart.

You should also be mindful of the time you hold the strip in the urine. The strip will need to be immersed for a few seconds, but again, check the instructions for the specific strip you are using. The strip will then need to be removed and left for a set time before the colour can be compared to the chart.

Once you have dipped the strip, you will need to wait for the amount of time specified in the instructions. This could be 15 seconds or it might be a few seconds more or less. This waiting period is important because it allows the strip to change colour accurately.

Wait for the strip to change colour

After you have immersed the absorptive end of the strip into the urine sample for a few seconds, it is now time to wait for the strip to change colour. The amount of time you should wait will be outlined on the package. The strip will change colour as it reacts with your urine. It is measuring the concentration of ketones in your urine, which can range from no ketones to high concentrations. The darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels.

The strip will change colour in a few seconds, and then you can compare the colour with the colour chart on the test package. The urine ketone test will tell you whether you have no ketones present or if you have trace, small, moderate or large ketones present. If your urine has moderate or large ketones present, call your doctor or nurse right away.

It is important to note that ketones are strong acids and are harmful to your body. Ketones in your urine may be a sign that you are developing diabetic ketoacidosis. If you have Type 1 diabetes, it is important to always have a supply of these strips and know how to use them.

Compare the colour to the chart on the packaging

Once you've immersed the absorptive end of the keto strip into the urine sample and waited for the strip to change colour, it's time to compare the strip's colour to the chart on the packaging. This colour chart will indicate the concentration of ketones in your urine, which can range from no ketones to high concentrations. Generally, the darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels.

The urine ketone test will tell you whether you have no ketones present or if you have trace, small, moderate, or large ketones present. For instance, urine keto test strips have a light beige colour, which darkens with high levels of ketones. 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

The optimum level for ketosis falls between 0.5 and 2 mmol/L when following a well-formulated ketogenic diet. However, higher ketone levels aren't 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.

Dispose of the strip and urine, then wash hands

Once you have completed the test and compared the colour of the strip with the chart on the packaging, it is important to dispose of the strip and urine sample in an appropriate manner. This may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check the guidelines for your area. You could also refer to the instructions on the keto strip packaging for advice on how to dispose of the strips and urine. After disposal, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Washing your hands is an important step in the process, as it helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. It is good practice to wash your hands before and after handling the keto strips, as well as after disposing of the urine sample. This will help to ensure that you do not transfer any bacteria to your face or mouth, or to any surfaces that you touch.

If you are using a public restroom, be considerate of others and dispose of the strip and urine appropriately. Do not leave any items in the sink or on the counter. If you are at home, you may wish to dispose of the strip and urine in a sealed bag, to prevent any potential spillage or contamination. Wash your hands in warm water with soap, and dry them thoroughly.

If you are testing your ketone levels regularly, it is a good idea to keep a small bin dedicated to the disposal of the strips and urine samples. This will help to ensure that you are disposing of them safely and appropriately. Keep this bin in a convenient location, such as in your bathroom, and line it with a bag to make disposal easier and to minimise any mess.

Frequently asked questions