They can be defective! I peed on one a few weeks ago and the color didn’t even change–normally, even if you’re not in ketosis, the color changes when it has pee on it (not to show ketones–but it’s just a different color than an unused strip). My husband said the strips must be defective. So just out of curiosity, I peed on one 3 days into my fast yesterday, and the color still did not change! Pretty sure I must be in ketosis after 3 days of not eating… So, the strips are definitely defective! Don’t depend on these things!
PSA regarding the urine test strips!
EZB
(Ethan)
#2
We never do. The urine strips are terrible. I recommend the combined use of a Keto Mojo for blood ketone levels and a ketonic for breath.
cwemmons
(Tina Emmons)
#5
I use the Walgreens brand stix and used them together with the Keto Mojo meter for a week to compare. They were spot on with the results of the blood meter. You of course don’t get a “number” but reading the color works for me considering the price of the Mojo strips and not having to tote the meter around. Having said that, I did once have a strip not change when I knew I had to be in ketosis and the box was indeed expired. Exchanged them immediately, tested within minutes with the new strip and all was good!
ava_ad0re
(Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja )
#6
I think you are misunderstanding how these strips work.
They are testing only excreted ketones.
If you are fat adapted, which it sounds you are if you can fast for 3 days, the ketones your body is making are effectively being used, therefore you won’t have a reading on the test strips.
In fact, they are entirely redundant at this point.
I can have ketones as high as 4 but I pee trace on a strip, my body knows how to use those ketones very well, therefore I don’t have extra riding around in my blood stream.