Collection: Ketone Meters and Ketone Test Strips

Blood ketone testing measures beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the most reliable ketone body in the bloodstream. It is used by keto dieters, athletes, and diabetics to monitor ketosis and metabolic health.

For people following a ketogenic diet, blood ketone levels often show diurnal variations with levels of ketones in the blood being the highest first thing in the morning after fasting overnight. . Many individuals experience higher ketone levels in the morning after an overnight fast, as the body has been in a state of fasting during sleep. This period of fasting typically leads to increased production of ketones by the liver.

However, it's important to note that individual responses can vary. Factors such as diet, activity level, and overall metabolic health can influence when someone might experience peak ketone levels. Additionally, the primary goal of a ketogenic diet is not necessarily to maximise blood ketone levels but to achieve and maintain a state of ketosis, where the body is using ketones as a primary source of energy.

• Wash hands and dry them completely.
• Insert a ketone test strip into the meter.
• Prick your fingertip with the lancing device.
• Place a small drop of blood onto the test strip.
• Wait for the meter to display your ketone reading.

It is always important to read the instructions before you start as different ketone meter instructions may vary slightly.

Yes, ketone levels can fluctuate throughout the day based on various factors such as dietary choices, physical activity, and the timing, type and size of meals. Here are some reasons for fluctuations in ketone levels:

1. Dietary intake: The primary driver of ketone production is the restriction of carbohydrates in the diet. When carbohydrate intake is low, the body starts breaking down fats into ketones for energy. Therefore, the type and amount of food you eat, particularly the carbohydrate content, can influence ketone levels.
2. Fasting and time of day: Ketone levels are often higher in the morning due to the overnight fasting period. During sleep, the body relies on stored energy, including fat, leading to increased ketone production.
3. Physical activity: Exercise can impact ketone levels. Intense physical activity may temporarily reduce ketone levels because the body prefers to use glucose for immediate energy during high-intensity exercise. However, regular physical activity can contribute to overall fat metabolism and ketone production over time.
4. Individual variability: Each person's body responds differently to dietary changes and fasting. Some individuals may naturally experience higher ketone levels, while others may have lower levels for similar dietary practices.
5. Hydration and electrolytes: Ketone levels can be affected by hydration status and electrolyte balance. Dehydration can lead to a concentration of ketones in the blood, potentially resulting in higher ketone readings.

A lancet can be used alone or with a lancing device. Many people find it easier to obtain a finger prick blood sample if they use the lancet in a lancing device.

Most of our meters are supplied with starter packs of lancets and some with safety lancets. We suggest you continue to use the same lancets recommended by the manufacturer if possible. If you are struggling to get adequate samples move to a thicker lance, ie 21g is thicker than 28g or 30g (the thinnest)

• Blood ketone tests measure BHB, the primary ketone used for energy.
• Urine ketone strips detect acetoacetate, which may decline as you become keto-adapted.
• Blood testing provides more accurate, real-time ketosis tracking.

• Keto dieters: Once a day or a few times per week.
• Athletes & biohackers: Before and after workouts or meals.
• Diabetics: As advised by a doctor, especially if blood sugar is high.

• Morning (fasted) – Gives a baseline reading.
• Before meals – Shows if you're maintaining ketosis.
• After eating – Helps track food impact on ketones.
• Post-exercise – Can indicate fat-burning efficiency.

• Your body may be efficiently using ketones for fuel rather than accumulating them in the blood.
• You may be eating too much protein, which can be converted into glucose.
• If you're new to keto, your body may still be adjusting.

Hydration primarily affects urine ketone tests. Blood ketone levels remain relatively stable regardless of fluid intake.

Hydration can have some effect on blood ketone levels, although it's less direct than with urine ketones. Here's why:

• Dilution Effect: In a well-hydrated state, blood volume increases, which can slightly reduce ketone concentration (though not as dramatically as urine ketones).
• Fat metabolism influence: Dehydration may increase stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to a temporary rise in blood sugar, potentially lowering ketone production.
• Liver function: Hydration supports liver function, which is crucial for producing ketones from fat. Dehydration could slow ketone production.

So, while hydration doesn't directly "wash out" blood ketones like it does in urine, it can still impact ketone production and metabolism.

Not necessarily. Fat loss depends on caloric intake and energy expenditure, not just high ketone levels. Moderate ketosis (1.5–3.0 mmol/L) is sufficient for fat-burning.

Yes. Blood ketone testing is important for diabetics, especially those with Type 1 diabetes, to detect diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). If ketones are high and blood sugar is elevated, seek medical help immediately.

Not necessarily. Mild to moderate ketosis (0.5 – 1.5 mmol/L) is often enough for fat burning. Weight loss depends on lots of factors including caloric intake, activity levels, and metabolic health, not just ketone levels.

It does vary between individuals but most people start producing ketones within 2–4 days of strict carb restriction. If you don’t see results within a week, you may need to adjust your macros.

Yes. After a workout, ketone levels may temporarily drop as your body burns them for energy. Testing a few hours later may show higher levels again.

Intermittent fasting (IF) naturally increases blood ketones as your body switches from burning glucose to burning fat for fuel. The longer you fast, the higher your ketone levels tend to rise, typically reaching nutritional ketosis (0.5–3.0 mmol/L) after 12–24 hours.

• Morning (fasted state): Gives a baseline ketone level.
• Midday (after several fasting hours): Shows how ketosis is progressing.
• Before breaking your fast: Helps determine peak ketone levels.
• Post-meal: Checks how certain foods affect ketosis.

• 0.5 – 1.0 mmol/L – Light ketosis, common after 12+ hours of fasting.
• 1.0 – 3.0 mmol/L – Deeper ketosis, seen in 16–24+ hour fasts.
• 3.0 – 5.0 mmol/L – Common in extended fasts (48+ hours) but not necessary for benefits.

Ketone levels change based on:

• Time of day – Often lower in the morning, higher in the evening.
• Activity levels – Exercise can temporarily lower ketones as they are used for fuel.
• Hormones & metabolism – Insulin, cortisol, and other hormones influence ketone production.
• Hydration-your level of hydration can affect your ketone levels, but this is not as pronounced as with urine ketone testing.

Most people start producing ketones within 12–16 hours of fasting.