Reliable way to measure ketones?

VainerNote

hi, new to the group. Was just wondering how people are measuring the ketone levels in blood. Is it a test you can do at the doctors or is there a reliable way to do this at home?

Cheers.

KnitOrMiss

Using a ketone test monitor (most do blood sugar, too) is a reliable way, as is a ketone breath meter. Those are the only two I know of.

VainerNote

Ok nice one, I'll have a look around see where I can pick one up. Easier than getting your bloods done at the docs all the time then!

KnitOrMiss

The strips are more expensive for the meter, but you can get a free one online. There is a post here about a month and a half back called "Free Meter" or something... But I've heard that the initial cost of the Ketonix (I think is the breath one I've heard of) is more, but you don't have to buy ongoing supplies.

Here is the link to the post about meters. There was one that tested Ketones in addition to glucose...
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10101713/free-glucometer#latest

But I don't have the link available for the Ketonix. @DittoDan was the one who knows the most about that one...feel free to shoot him a message if you have trouble finding it online...

cdpits

Following this post. Went to Walmart this morning (in Canada) and they don't have the ones that test for ketones or even the dual ones !

DittoDan

I use and swear by Ketonix. Great device, repeats, accurate, painless and cheap to operate. One time cost.

I hope this helps,

Dan the Man from Michigan
It's Ketogenic or Bariatric! How I Found the Ketogenic Diet
Blog #10 Keto: Abbreviations, Acronyms & Terminology Used on the LCD & Keto Discussion Groups
Blog #13 DittoDan's Milestone's, First's And Good Changes Since Starting the Ketogenic Diet

cdpits

@DittoDan, where did you purchase it?

VainerNote

Cheers, I'll give the ketonix a go then.

yarwell

ketonix.com also on Amazon sometimes

lackielack

I use the blood Ketone meter and strips. I like it because I am used to it. When I decided to start tracking the Ketonix was not out. It is awesome to hear good stories about it!

I like the dual meter for me because I also want to test glucose levels. The tests are expensive for Ketones though!

VainerNote

Thanks for the link, I'll have to keep my eyes open on Amazon. Is the blood ketone meter also something you can get off the net then?

lackielack

Yes, you can get it online at Amazon as well.

auntstephie321

Apparently my cat is an excellent ketone detector, she tries to stick her nose in my mouth, she has never done that before. So I know I'm on track if she keeps trying to make out with me lol

wabmester

I'm not obsessed with ketones, so ketostix are fine for me. But I have an idea I want to try out on one of my higher ketone days. Blow up a balloon, and as you let the air out of it, hold a flame source to the exhausted air. If it ignites, your ketone level is high.

auntstephie321

Lol you'll have to let us know if that works

Melindhra

I just use ketostix, because I stay in ketosis really easily for some reason. I figure that if the reading is dark purple, it's definitely good enough. Ketonix sounds interesting for the other end of the scale though. Perhaps when I have had a little bit too much red wine.

Let us know how it goes! I am interested to find out.