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How to test for ketones?
Comparing home urine tests and blood tests from measuring ketone levels
| Testing blood ketones with FreeStyle Optium™ | Testing urine ketones |
| Immediacy Measures β-hydroxybutyrate - the predominant blood ketone. |
Measures acetoacetate - a poor indicator of overall blood ketone levels. |
| Direct measurement of ketones in the circulation | Indirect measurement of ketones in the circulation. |
| Indicates current ketone levels, allowing prompt action. | Indicates level of ketones in blood 2-4 hours previously. |
| Increased accuracy Advanced biosensor technology minimises interference from common drugs |
False positive results with captopril. False negative results with high levels of vitamin C. |
| Unaffected by levels of fluid intake (unless severely dehydrated). | High fluid intake may dilute urine leading to false negatives. Low fluid intake or dehydration may lead to false positives. |
| Accuracy protected by individually foil wrapped test strips. | Infrequently used test strips exposed to air degrade over time. |
| Practicality and acceptability Direct reading on large digital display. |
Relies on visual colour comparison. |
| Quantitative, accurate assessment | Indicates only 'large', 'moderate', 'small' or 'trace'. |
| A familiar and well-accepted blood testing method. | Unfamiliar and less socially acceptable urine testing method. |
