Keto Strips: A Guide To Using Them Correctly

Ketone strips, also known as keto strips, are thin paper or plastic strips with a small reactive pad at one end that detects ketones in the urine. They are cheap, convenient, and will give you results within a minute. They are commonly used by people on the keto diet to check if they are in ketosis, a natural state in which the body burns fat for fuel. They are also used by people with diabetes to determine if they are at immediate risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. To use keto strips, you can either pee directly on the strip or immerse it in a urine sample, wait for the pad to change colour, and then compare the colour to a chart provided with the strips.

How to collect a urine sample

To collect a urine sample, you'll need a disposable plastic cup and a ketone strip.

First, urinate into the disposable plastic cup. You can buy these at any grocery store, usually in the dental or plastic tableware section.

Next, take a ketone strip and dip about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) of the strip into the urine sample. Make sure you dip the tip that contains the ketone-sensing chemicals—this end will be slightly thicker than the other.

Alternatively, you can urinate directly onto the strip over a toilet, holding the strip so that the urine doesn't drip on the floor. If you're seated, be careful not to dip the strip into the toilet water, as this will dilute the sample.

Once you've collected the sample, you can proceed to test your ketone levels by following the instructions on your ketone strip packaging.

How to use keto strips with a urine sample

Keto strips are a convenient and affordable way to test if your body is in ketosis, which is a natural state in which your body burns fat for fuel. They are especially useful for people on a keto diet or those with diabetes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use keto strips with a urine sample:

• Wash your hands.
• Collect a urine sample in a small, clean container. If you prefer, you can pass the end of the strip briefly through your urine stream.
• Dip the absorptive or chemically sensitive end of the keto strip into the urine sample for a few seconds. Some sources recommend dipping about a quarter of an inch of the strip into the urine.
• Remove the strip from the urine sample and, if needed, shake it in the container to remove any excess liquid.
• Wait for the amount of time indicated on the test package (usually around 40 seconds to a few minutes) for the strip to change colour.
• Compare the colour of the strip to the colour chart on the test package. The colour will indicate the concentration of ketones in your urine, with darker colours indicating higher ketone levels.
• Dispose of the urine sample and the keto strip appropriately, then wash your hands.

It is important to note that keto strips are not always 100% accurate, and factors such as dehydration or how long you have been on the keto diet can affect the results. Additionally, the best time to test your ketone levels is in the early morning or after dinner, as these times tend to have the most reliably detectable levels of ketones.

How to dispose of keto strips

It is important to dispose of keto strips properly to prevent the spread of germs and to protect others from coming into contact with your personal medical information. Here are some detailed instructions on how to dispose of keto strips:

• After obtaining your urine sample and testing it with the keto strip, you should dispose of the urine sample appropriately. This may involve pouring it down the toilet or sink and washing your hands afterward.
• The used keto strip should be discarded in a trash bin. Do not flush it down the toilet as it may cause clogging issues.
• If you are using a ketone blood meter, dispose of the lancet and strip as instructed. These items are typically sharp and should be handled with care to prevent accidental injury or the spread of infection.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the keto strips and urine sample to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation.
• If you have a large quantity of used keto strips, consider disposing of them in a sealed bag before placing them in the trash bin. This adds an extra layer of protection and ensures that the strips are disposed of together.
• If you are testing your ketone levels frequently, it is a good idea to create a disposal routine that includes regularly emptying the trash bin and washing your hands afterward.
• If you are using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that adheres to your skin, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper removal and disposal. CGMs typically involve a small sensor and transmitter that need to be replaced periodically.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your keto strips are disposed of in a safe and responsible manner, maintaining hygiene and protecting your personal medical information.

How to interpret keto strip results

Interpreting keto strip results is simple. The strips use a colour-coding system to indicate the level of ketones in your urine. The darker the colour, the higher the level of ketones.

Interpreting the Colours

The keto strip will turn a shade of yellow, maroon, or purple. The specific shade will be matched to a colour chart on the packaging, which will indicate the level of ketones.

• Negative (no ketones): You are not in ketosis.
• Trace (0.5 mmol/L): Light nutritional ketosis.
• Small (1.5 mmol/L): 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. However, higher levels of ketones (5 mmol/L and above) can lead to more significant weight loss. But this may result in nutrient deprivation and a loss of muscle mass.

Other Factors to Consider

• Adaptation: As your body adapts to the keto diet, it becomes more effective at utilising ketones as fuel. This means that fewer ketones will be excreted in your urine.
• Dehydration: One study found a direct proportion between serum ketone concentration and the level of dehydration. Therefore, ensuring good hydration when testing for ketones will produce more accurate and consistent results.
• Expiration: Check the expiration date of your urine test strips. Strips usually expire within 3-6 months of opening the container.
• Time of Day: Certain times of the day, like the early morning or after dinner, have been shown to have the highest and most reliably detectable levels of ketones.

When to use keto strips

Keto strips are a cheap and convenient way to find out if you are in ketosis. They are thin paper strips that detect ketones in your urine. The strips are available over the counter at drugstores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.

The best time to use keto strips is in the morning or several hours after a meal. This will provide the most accurate results. Testing at the same time every day will help you establish a baseline and allow you to compare your progress.

It is also important to note that hydration levels can affect the results of keto strips. If you drink a large amount of water or other calorie-free liquids before testing, you may see a lighter colour on the strip due to the temporary dilution of your urine. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least 3 hours after eating or drinking before testing your urine for ketones.

Frequently asked questions