Keto Blood Meter: Best Devices For Testing Ketones

If you're following a ketogenic diet, a ketone meter is an essential tool to help you stay in nutritional ketosis and on the path to better results. Blood ketone meters are the gold standard for ketone testing as they provide more reliable and accurate test results than other types of ketone analyzers.

There are several blood ketone meters available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some popular options include the Keto-Mojo GK+, FORA 6 Connect, Keto-Doc Advanced, KetoBM, KetoCoach, Kiss My Keto, KetoTrak, KetoSens, Nova Max Plus, and Precision Xtra. These meters vary in terms of accuracy, price, simplicity, and additional features such as smartphone integration and glucose testing capabilities.

When choosing a blood ketone meter, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Factors to consider include the cost of the meter and replacement test strips, ease of use, accuracy, and additional features that may be useful for your health and fitness goals.

Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, it is important to note that blood ketone meters require a finger-stick to produce a very small drop of blood for testing, which can be a bit invasive for some users. Additionally, these meters require a battery and disposable lancets, and each test typically requires a new test strip, which can add up in cost over time. Despite this, blood ketone meters are generally considered to be highly accurate, with some meters, such as the Keto-Mojo, even exceeding FDA standards for accuracy.

To assess the accuracy of a blood ketone meter, it is necessary to compare its readings with those obtained from a commercial laboratory test for β-hydroxybutyrate. This can be done by drawing blood at a clinical laboratory and then using the blood ketone meter to test a sample from the same blood draw. By performing this comparison multiple times, it is possible to evaluate the overall accuracy and consistency of the meter.

In one experiment, the Keto-Mojo meter was compared to commercial laboratory tests and was found to be slightly more accurate than other meters, although the difference was slight. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of any meter can be influenced by factors such as the quality of the test strips and individual variations in ketone levels.

In another experiment, the Precision Xtra, Keto-Mojo, and KetoSense blood ketone meters were used to measure blood ketone levels during a 24-hour fast. All three devices showed similar values and appeared to have comparable accuracy, with ketone levels increasing significantly by 20-24 hours.

In conclusion, while blood ketone meters are generally considered accurate, it is important to compare different brands and models to find the one that best suits your needs and provides the most accurate readings for you. Additionally, it is worth noting that factors such as ease of use, price, and qualitative factors should also be considered when choosing a blood ketone meter.

Price

The price of a keto blood meter varies depending on the brand and features included. Here is a breakdown of the cost for some of the popular keto blood meters on the market:

• Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter: The basic starter kit costs $44.99 and includes 10 glucose test strips, 10 ketone test strips, a lancing device, 20 lancets, glucose and ketone control solutions, and a travel case. The promo bundle costs $90.99 and includes 70 glucose and ketone test strips, as well as a keto guide ebook. The cost of extra ketone test strips is $0.80 per strip.
• KetoBM Ketone Blood Meter Kit: The meter costs $27.97 and comes with 10 ketone test strips, a lancing device, and 10 lancets. Extra ketone strips are available for $39.97 (40 strips) and lancets for $14.97 (100 lancets).
• Kiss My Keto Blood Meter Kit: The meter costs $39.99 and comes with 10 test strips, a lancing device, 10 lancets, and a carrying case. Extra strips cost around $1 each.
• Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System: The meter costs $27.50 plus $7.95 shipping, and includes a carrying case, a lancing device, and 10 lancets. Ketone test strips are sold separately and cost $14.99 for a pack of 10. Glucose strips cost $15.99 for 30 strips.
• KetoCoach Blood Ketone Meter Kit: The meter costs $49.95 and comes with 10 strips. Extra strips can be purchased for $39.95 (50 strips) on their website.
• Nova Max Plus Glucose and Ketone Meter: The starter kit costs $39.98 and includes 10 ketone strips, a lancing device, lancets, alcohol wipes, a carrying case, and a quick start guide. Ketone replacement strips are expensive at about $2 per strip.
• KetoSens Blood Ketone Monitoring Starter Kit: The meter costs $36.99 and includes 10 ketone strips, a lancing device, 10 lancets, 2 batteries, and a carrying case. Replacement strips are reasonably priced at $0.86 each.
• FORA 6 Connect Blood Ketone Testing Meter Kit: The meter costs $59.99 and comes with 20 ketone strips. Replacement ketone strips cost slightly under $1 per piece.
• Ortorex Accugence Blood Ketone Tester Kit: The meter comes with 30 test strips, a lancet pen, lancets, a code chip, a user guide, and a carrying case. The exact price of this kit is not mentioned, but extra ketone test strips need to be bought separately.

Simplicity

• Unpacking and Setup: Choose a meter with minimal unpacking requirements and a straightforward setup process. Some meters come with separate components that need to be assembled, while others are ready to use straight out of the box.
• Instructions: Look for a meter with clear and concise instructions that are easy to follow. This will make the setup and testing process much simpler.
• Test Strips: Consider the quality and ease of use of the test strips. Some meters have auto-coding strips, while others require manual coding before testing. Individually wrapped strips can also add to the convenience and longevity of the product.
• Blood Sample Requirements: Pay attention to the amount of blood needed for testing. Some meters require larger blood samples than others, which can make a difference in your testing experience.
• Memory and Data Storage: A meter with a larger memory capacity will allow you to store more test results for future reference. If data tracking is important to you, also consider a meter that integrates with a smartphone app for automatic logging of results.
• Customer Support: Opt for a meter that offers helpful customer support, including instructional videos, online resources, and responsive assistance for any queries or issues you may encounter.

By considering these factors, you can identify a keto blood meter that aligns with your priorities and provides a simple and user-friendly experience. Remember, the best meter for you is the one that meets your individual needs and helps you stay on track with your health goals.

FDA approval

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval is an important consideration when choosing a blood ketone meter, especially for those following a ketogenic diet. FDA-approved ketone meters meet the safety and effectiveness standards established by the FDA for medical devices.

• FORA 6 Connect Blood Ketone Meter: This meter provides fast and accurate readings in 5-10 seconds and can track data on your smartphone. It also has a large memory that can store up to 1,000 recent test results. However, it does not come with alcohol swabs, and the design is not very attractive. The accompanying Fora app also has low ratings in the App Store and Google Play.
• Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter: This meter is easy to use and has Bluetooth integration, allowing users to track measurements on their smartphones. It is FDA-approved and offers a lifetime warranty. However, the strips are individually packaged and can be difficult to open. Additionally, GKI readings are only available through the app and not on the meter screen.
• Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System: This meter is reliable and easy to use, providing fast results in 5-10 seconds. It is FDA-approved and has a memory of up to 450 tests. However, it cannot sync and track data on smartphones, and the lancing device is of lower quality compared to other meters.
• KetoSens Blood Ketone Monitoring Kit: This meter is easy to use and has a large memory that can store up to 1,000 test results. It is also FDA-approved. However, it does not offer automatic data syncing with its accompanying app, and it cannot measure blood glucose levels.
• Nova Max Plus Glucose and Ketone Meter: This meter is reliable and user-friendly, providing accurate measurements of glucose and blood ketones. It is FDA-approved and made by the largest privately-owned diagnostics company in the US. However, it lacks a smartphone app for syncing and tracking measurements, and it only offers a 3-year warranty compared to lifetime warranties offered by competitors.

When choosing a blood ketone meter, it is important to consider not only FDA approval but also other factors such as accuracy, price, simplicity, and additional features. Some meters may offer more advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps, while others may be more basic and straightforward to use. It is essential to select a meter that best suits your individual needs and preferences.

Features

The best keto blood meter will have a range of features to help you accurately measure your blood ketone levels. Here are some key features to look out for:

• Accuracy: This is crucial as you want to ensure that the meter provides reliable and consistent readings. Look for a meter that has been tested and approved by professionals, such as the FDA in the US.
• Ease of use: Choose a meter with straightforward instructions and an intuitive testing process. It should also have a user-friendly design, such as a backlit display, easy-to-read numbers, and simple button navigation.
• Data storage and tracking: Some meters can store hundreds of readings, allowing you to track your ketone levels over time. This can be helpful for identifying trends and progress. Some meters also offer smartphone apps that sync with the device, making it easier to view and analyse your data.
• Blood sample size: Most meters require a small blood sample, but the volume can vary between devices. A smaller blood sample requirement may be preferable to minimise discomfort.
• Test strips: The cost and availability of replacement test strips are important considerations. Some meters offer bundled deals with test strips, while others sell them separately. Individually wrapped strips may also be preferable for hygiene and ease of use.
• Additional features: Other features to look for include auto-coding, control solutions for checking meter accuracy, glucose testing capability, and lancing devices for finger-pricking.

When choosing a keto blood meter, it's essential to consider your specific needs and budget. While some meters offer basic functionality, others provide more advanced features and capabilities. By evaluating the features outlined above, you can make an informed decision about which keto blood meter is best suited to your requirements.

Frequently asked questions