For individuals monitoring their ketone and glucose levels, devices like the Keto-Mojo meter play a crucial role in informing dietary and lifestyle choices. However, variations in readings can sometimes raise concerns about the accuracy and reliability of these devices. This article delves into the Keto-Mojo control solution range, its purpose, and factors that can influence readings.
The Purpose of Control Solutions
Control solutions are designed to validate the performance of your Keto-Mojo meter. By testing the meter with a control solution, you can ascertain whether it is functioning within the manufacturer's specifications and meeting FDA standards. The Keto-Mojo Control Solutions are intended for validating the performance of the FDA-cleared Keto-Mojo GK+ Meter (510(k) K192957) and its associated test strips for home glucose and ketone monitoring. This is especially useful if you suspect your meter is giving inaccurate results, perhaps after dropping it or if you're observing inconsistencies in your readings. Mister Mojo says that by using a control solution, you know your meter is performing to the FDA stringent standard that’s been laid down.
Locating the Control Solution Range
The control solution range is typically found on a metallic grey sticker on the outside of your meter box or on the outside of your strip box. If you no longer have the box with the control range listed, you may need to visit the manufacturer's website to look it up for your specific strips. It is important to use the correct control solution range for your specific test strips to ensure accurate validation.
Performing a Control Solution Test
To perform a control solution test, follow these steps:
- Gather your materials: You'll need your Keto-Mojo meter, control solution, and a compatible test strip (ketone or glucose, depending on what you're testing). You will need a ketone strip, and you will need a glucose strip, and you will also need the boxes which the strips came in because at the bottom of it, it has your control level.
- Prepare the meter and strip: Remove a test strip from its foil pouch and insert it into the meter. Note the expiration date of the test strips, found on the back of the foil pouch. The meter turns on after a beep.
- Prepare the control solution: Shake the control solution bottle thoroughly. Squeeze the control solution bottle gently and discard the first drop.
- Apply the control solution: Immediately touch the tip of the test strip to the drop of control solution. If the control solution sample does not fill the window, do not add a second drop.
- Read the result: The meter will automatically recognize and mark the control result for you.
- Compare with the range: Compare your control test result with the ranges printed on the test strip box or label. For the strips that came with your meter, the range is found on the bottom of the meter box.
Interpreting Control Solution Results
If your control test result falls within the specified range, it indicates that your meter and test strips are working correctly. If your results consistently fall outside of the range indicated on the test strip box or label, your meter or test strips may not be working properly. In such cases, you should not use the system to test blood and should investigate further.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Troubleshooting Out-of-Range Results
If you obtain control solution results outside the specified range, consider the following:
- Check expiration dates: Verify the expiration dates and discard dates of the test strip and control solution.
- Control solution age: Ensure that the control solution bottle has not been opened for more than 6 months.
- Repeat the test: After checking all of the conditions listed above, repeat the control solution test with a new test strip.
If your results still fall out of range after these steps, contact Keto-Mojo customer support for assistance. If a quality check fails, repeat the test. If it fails again, contact Keto-Mojo customer support for further assistance. They may be able to provide further troubleshooting steps or determine if a replacement meter or test strips are needed.
Factors Affecting Accuracy
Several factors can influence the accuracy of blood glucose and ketone readings, even when the meter itself is functioning correctly.
Meter Technology and Sensitivity
Different meter brands use different technologies, which can lead to variations in measurements. This variance should not be considered an inaccuracy by Keto-Mojo. The new GK+ meter is more sensitive than the older model meters, which also makes them more accurate. The GK+ meter tested within 10% accuracy for glucose 96% of the time in its test trials of 100s of tests for FDA regulation. The GK+ meter has eight sensor connectors for measuring the blood, whereas the earlier meter models only had four, making it ultra-sensitive to interstitial fluid and microscopic debris.
Testing Procedure
Following all testing procedures is necessary with the new meter due to the sensitivity to interstitial fluid and microscopic contaminants on the hands. Squeezing near the prick hole to get enough blood will force out interstitial fluid that skews results.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Sample Variability
When testing your blood glucose, you may receive different measurements even from the same blood sample. This is not uncommon in home-testing given the small size of your sample. Meter accuracy, strip placement in the meter port and blood fill level are all factors.
FDA Standards
Keto-Mojo meters exceed all FDA standards. The Keto Mojo meter exceeds current FDA standards for point of care testing. This means that 100% of the time, your readings will be within 20% of your exact measurement.
Physiological Factors
Alike glucose, ketone levels may vary for the reasons discussed above. Ketone levels are slower to change than glucose. It is not uncommon to receive the same ketone reading over multiple days, especially if you are testing at the exact same time every day. It is suggested to give yourself a 5 day window to make changes to see if those changes are reflected in your ketone readings, and also try testing at different times of the day over those 5 days.
Other Interfering Substances
Hydration, hygiene and testing protocol play a role. Food or contaminants like lotions, exogenous ketones, and MCT oil on the skin or strips (i.e. Exposure to air) can interfere.
User Experiences and Troubleshooting
Some users have reported inconsistencies in their Keto-Mojo readings. For example, one user described getting readings of 2.8, "LO," and 0.8 in quick succession. Others have noted significant differences when re-checking their ketone levels. These experiences highlight the importance of proper testing technique and the use of control solutions to verify meter accuracy.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
One user contacted KM and ended up purchasing a tiny bottle of "Control Solution" for $20.00, to test their meter so you know that it is giving accurate results.
Additional Tips for Accurate Readings
To improve the accuracy and consistency of your Keto-Mojo readings, consider the following tips:
- Ensure proper hydration: Dehydration can affect blood glucose and ketone levels.
- Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before testing to avoid contamination.
- Follow the testing protocol: Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for using the meter and test strips.
- Avoid interfering substances: Ensure your skin and test strips are free from lotions, food particles, or other contaminants.
- Store test strips properly: Protect test strips from exposure to air and moisture.
- Consider testing time: Be aware that ketone levels may vary throughout the day.