Keto Test Strips: When To Use Them?

Ketone test strips are used to measure the level of ketones in your urine or blood. Ketones are substances produced when the liver breaks down fat for energy. This happens when there is not enough insulin in the body to turn sugar (glucose) into energy.

Ketone test strips are particularly useful for people with diabetes, as high levels of ketones in urine or blood can indicate a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.

For people following a ketogenic diet, ketone test strips can be used to check whether they are in a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel. Urine strips are a cheap and convenient way to measure ketosis, while blood strips are more accurate but also more expensive.

When following a keto diet

Urine Testing

Urine testing strips are a cheap and convenient way to test your ketone levels. They are available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as online. The strips typically expire within three to six months of opening.

To test your urine, collect a sample in a clean container. Immerse the absorptive end of the strip into the sample for a few seconds, then remove it and shake off any excess liquid. Wait 15 seconds for the colour to change, then compare the strip to the colour chart on the packaging. Dispose of the strip and the urine sample appropriately.

The darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels. However, urine strips are not always accurate, especially if you have been on the keto diet for a long time. This is because your body will adapt to using ketones for fuel, and will become more optimised in producing them, leaving less unused.

Blood Testing

Blood testing is a more accurate and reliable way to measure ketone levels, but it is also more expensive. You can usually find blood strips at any place that carries urine strips, but you will also need a meter to read them.

To test your blood, load a lancet with a needle, then insert a blood ketone strip into the meter. Prick your finger to draw a small drop of blood, then let the strip come into contact with the blood and check the results. Dispose of the strip and lancet as instructed.

When to Test

Testing in the early morning on an empty stomach is considered the best time to test for ketones, as your body will have rested and cleared any food from the night before, giving accurate results. Testing several hours after dinner is also considered a good time.

When experiencing symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when the body doesn't have enough insulin, causing cells to be unable to use sugar for energy. As a result, the body breaks down fat for energy, producing a substance called ketone. High levels of ketones in the urine or blood can disturb the pH balance, making the blood more acidic, which is known as ketoacidosis.

If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, it is important to test your urine for ketones using keto test strips. This can help determine if you are at immediate risk for diabetic ketoacidosis and whether you need to seek medical attention. Here are some signs that may indicate you are experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis:

• Blood sugar tests are higher than 250 mg/dL for two or more tests in a row
• You feel like your blood sugar is high
• You suspect you have an infection
• You are vomiting or feeling nauseous
• You are ill or stressed
• You are pregnant

If you have Type 1 diabetes, it is recommended to always have a supply of keto test strips and know how to use them. If you have Type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor or nurse to determine if you need to perform urine ketone testing.

To test your urine for ketones, follow these general steps:

• Collect a urine sample in a clean container.
• Immerse the absorptive end of the keto test strip into the urine sample for a few seconds.
• Remove the strip and shake off any excess liquid.
• Wait for the specified time (usually around 15 seconds) for the colour of the strip to change.
• Compare the colour of the strip to the colour chart provided with the test kit.
• Dispose of the urine and the strip appropriately and wash your hands.

It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your keto test strips for the most accurate results. Additionally, keep in mind that urine keto test strips may not always provide an accurate indication of ketone levels in the body, especially if you have been on a keto diet for a longer period. In such cases, blood ketone testing may be a more accurate option.

When to test your urine for ketones

Testing your urine for ketones can be done at any time of day, but the best times are in the early morning or after dinner. Testing at these times will give you the most reliable results.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should always have a supply of ketone test strips and know how to use them. For type 2 diabetics, a doctor or nurse will advise if and when to test. If you are pregnant, a medical professional will tell you when to test your urine for ketones.

If you are on the keto diet, testing your urine for ketones can help you monitor your body's transition to ketosis. This is when your body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.

You should test your urine for ketones if you experience any of the following:

• Blood sugar tests are higher than 250 mg/dL for two or more tests in a row
• You feel like your blood sugar is high
• You think you have an infection
• You are vomiting or feel sick to your stomach
• You are ill or stressed
• You are on your period
• You have been unable to eat

How to use keto test strips

Keto test strips are used to measure ketone levels in the body, which can indicate whether you are in a state of ketosis. There are two types of keto test strips: urine test strips and blood test strips.

Using Urine Test Strips:

• Collect a urine sample in a clean container.
• Hold the absorptive end of the strip in the urine sample for a few seconds.
• Remove the strip from the urine and shake off any excess liquid.
• Wait for the amount of time specified on the package (usually around 15 seconds) for the strip to change colour.
• Compare the colour of the strip to the colour chart provided with the test kit. This will indicate the concentration of ketones in your urine.
• Dispose of the urine and the strip appropriately and wash your hands.

Using Blood Test Strips:

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Load the lancet with a new needle, following the directions provided.
• Insert a blood ketone strip into the ketone meter.
• Prick your finger with the lancet to draw a small drop of blood.
• Bring the strip into contact with the blood drop and check the results.
• Dispose of the strip and lancet as per the directions.

Tips for Using Keto Test Strips:

• For urine tests, the early morning or a few hours after dinner are the best times to test, as ketone levels are most reliable at these times.
• For accurate results, do not expose the test strips to sunlight, moisture, or heat. Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Check the expiration date before using the test strips and do not use them if they are discoloured.
• If you are testing ketone levels due to symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), seek immediate medical attention if your results indicate moderate to large amounts of ketones.

It is important to note that keto test strips may not always provide accurate results, especially for urine tests. Blood tests tend to give more precise readings of current ketone levels but are also more expensive.

Accuracy of keto test strips

Keto test strips are a popular tool for measuring ketosis, a natural state in which the body burns fat for fuel. However, their accuracy has been questioned. Here are some factors that affect the accuracy of keto test strips:

Type of Ketone Tested

There are three types of ketone bodies: acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. Urine test strips measure acetoacetate, breath analysers measure acetone, and blood tests measure beta-hydroxybutyrate. Acetoacetate is present in urine, beta-hydroxybutyrate shows up in the blood, and acetone is present in breath.

Limitations of Urine Strips

Urine strips only measure excess ketones that the body doesn't use. Therefore, a small level of ketones in urine doesn't necessarily mean low ketone levels in the blood. As the body adapts to using ketones for fuel, it may excrete fewer ketones in the urine, leading to potentially misleading negative results on urine strips.

Hydration

While hydration status may not significantly affect ketone strip readings for most people, extreme dehydration or over-hydration can impact the results. Dehydration can lead to higher concentrations of ketones in the urine, while over-hydration can dilute the urine and reduce ketone readings.

Adaptation to Ketosis

When first starting a ketogenic diet, the body may not utilise ketones efficiently, resulting in higher concentrations of waste ketones in the urine. As the body adapts to burning fat for fuel, it becomes more adept at burning ketones, leading to a potential decrease in ketone readings on urine strips despite being deeper in ketosis.

Subjective Colour Comparison

Urine strip readings involve comparing the colour of the strip to a colour chart. This process can be subjective, and the results may vary depending on individual interpretations.

Timing of Testing

Urine ketone levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Testing at a specific time, such as in the morning or several hours after the last meal, is recommended for consistent results.

Expiry and Storage

Urine test strips typically expire within three to six months after opening. Storing them properly, such as keeping them away from sunlight and moisture, is crucial for maintaining their accuracy.

Alternative Methods

Blood ketone meters and breath analysers are considered more accurate methods for measuring ketone levels. Blood tests measure beta-hydroxybutyrate, the most prevalent and stable ketone body, providing a direct indication of ketone levels in the blood. Breath analysers measure acetone, a byproduct of ketone breakdown, but they can be influenced by external factors like breath mints, tobacco, and alcohol consumption.

In summary, while urine keto test strips are a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor ketosis, they have limitations and may not always provide an accurate representation of ketone levels, especially for long-term keto dieters. Blood ketone meters are considered the gold standard for accuracy, followed by breath analysers. However, these alternative methods may be more invasive or costly.

Frequently asked questions