How Do I Interpret the Ketone Urine Test Results?

The color blocks on the  vial are used to read the results by comparing the test pad color to the blocks on the chart. Match the color of the test pad to the closest color block on the color chart. The color blocks represent approximate concentration  values of ketones in your urine.  The color blocks move from left (light color) to right (dark  purple) with increasing concentrations of ketones.

I keep getting negative results. Does that mean I’m not in ketosis? 

A negative result means that ketones were not detected in the urine. This is normal if your carbohydrate intake is too high or if you are eating a low-carbohydrate diet after several weeks and have become fat-adapted. Once you’ve become fat-adapted, your body is more efficient at using the ketones you produce and may no longer spill into your urine, even if you are in ketosis. 

What does it mean if my results are positive?   

Normal urine results following a Standard American Diet (SAD) generally will not have any ketones present. A positive ketone level in urine is called ketonuria, which can occur in the following instances:

• When a person is on a very low carbohydrate diet. 
• As a result of fasting, dieting, starvation, eating disorders, high protein diets and isopropanol ingestion. 
• When diabetes mellitus is out of control. 
• Ketonuria may be noted in normal pregnancy.