For blood ketone levels to be measured accurately, it is important to use the strips correctly.
Blood ketone test strips are more accurate than urine ketone test strips however, their accuracy can be affected by avoidable factors, including:
- Improper technique: if the blood ketone test strips are not used with proper technique, inaccurate readings and strip wastage can occur. To avoid this, make sure that there is enough blood on the strip, and that you are following the instructions that come with the product.
- Expired test strips: blood ketone test strips that are out of date are unlikely to give accurate results. Always double-check the expiry date listed on your blood ketone test strips before testing.
- Storage conditions: similar to most products, blood ketone test strips need to be stored correctly so that they are not damaged, which would hinder their accuracy. Blood ketone test strips should be stored in a cool, dry place as moisture and heat can affect their accuracy.