Quick question about Ketostix

[Ryan.Stoeppel]

So since I started Atkins a little over a week ago I've been the rainman of Ketostix. This is a somewhat bizarre question, but does anyone know why only part of the testing box changes color? My anxiety/paranoia kicks in when half the damn thing is purple and the other half is tan even after I pee all over the damn stick. Anyone?

[Georgiana]

Had to giggle... Here's an explanation of how ketostix work:

How do the ketone test strips work, and where can I get them? Ketone urine-testing strips, also called Ketostix or just ketone sticks ... are small plastic strips that have a little absorptive pad on the end. This contains a special chemical that will change colour in the presence of ketones in the urine.

Source: Low Carb Diet Tips & Basics - Ketosis & Ketone Test Strips

So if you don't pee on the right thing...

[Ryan.Stoeppel]

Yea, I mean I get the whole how it works and stuff, but every time I've used them only about half of the "absorptive pad" changes color. I guess what I'm trying to ask is is that normal? I mean obviously half the stream doesn't have ketones in it and the other half does. Thinking logically I would assume the whole thing would change color and not just half of it. Maybe thinking logically is my problem...not a ton of that goes on any more in my experience

[Georgiana]

Hmm... okay, now I got what you mean. I only used them a few times right when I started Atkins, but I don't think I ever noticed this. I know some people also cut them in half to get more for the same money, so I guess the whole thing should change color.

If half changes color though, that's fine.

[TogaGirl]

I've gotten a batch or two in the past that this has happened with. I'm pretty sure it's just product error. As long as part of it was still registering I was still losing and showing other signs of ketosis, so no worries!!!

[Ryan.Stoeppel]

Thanks for the responses Georgiana and TogaGirl

[Joanner]

I think I had the same problem. Solved it by using a Dixie cup and dropping in the Ketostix. Less messier also.

[clogger]

I'm not sure about the half and half thing, but like someone already said it's probably a product error.

One thing for me and Ketostix is I don't worry about the color. I test, I look for any color change, and then I toss it. As long as I see any color change I know I'm in ketosis. I never worry whether is dark or light. As long as it changes I know I'm burning fat for energy!

[miwachiru]

Just an FYI about Ketostix, or any urine dipstick for that matter. If you do not actually "dip" the stick into a container of urine (which is how they were designed) and instead place it in the stream of urine, then some of the chemicals will be washed away with the urine, thus causing some of the pad to change and some not to. If any of it changes color, then you are in Ketosis and are doing great! If you are worried about it, find a container you can use all the time to dip your Ketostix into. But really, don't worry about it. Just keep doing what you are doing, yes some of the reagant will change color, some won't (because its being wooshed away with the urine!)

Source:
Nurse ( I deal with urine dipsticks all day)

[clogger]

miwachiru, thanks for sharing your expertise!