Ketone Tests-Drug

How the Drug Works

Specially treated tablets (Acetest) or plastic test strips (Chemstrip K, Ketostix) detect the presence of ketones in the urine and blood (Acetest only). Ketones are substances that are formed when the body breaks down fats and carbohydrates for energy or food. When there are too many ketones in the body, they spill over into the urine. Ketones may be found in the urine of people who are fasting, on starvation diets, or in diabetics who have a very high blood sugar level because of lack of insulin. Ketones are not present in normal urine.
Uses

To detect ketones in urine.

To monitor for diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes that may lead to diabetic coma. Ketoacidosis occurs in uncontrolled diabetes.

Acetest only - To detect ketones in urine and in blood.

Liver and kidney function tests requiring the administration of phthalein compounds such as bromsulfophthalein, phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP), or phenyl ketones (large quantities) may interfere with the ketone tests.

Specimen Collection and Preparations: Collect fresh urine in clean dry container and test as soon as possible. If testing cannot be done within an hour, refrigerate immediately. Let urine return to room temperature (59° to 86°F) before testing. Mix urine thoroughly before testing. Urine that is not tested right away or use of urine preservatives may affect test results. Storage and handling:

For Acetest tablets - These tablets are stable in the unopened container if stored at temperatures between 59° and 86°F. Protect from heat, moisture, and light. Once opened, stability is decreased with exposure to moisture, heat, and light. The bottle must be recapped promptly after removing a tablet. Tablets should be used on a regular basis and not stored for an extended period of time after the bottle is opened. Tan-tobrown discoloration or darkening of the tablet is an indication of deterioration.

For ChemStrip K-Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes. Keep unused test strips in the original bottle with the cap tightly closed. ChemStrip Kwill remain stable in the original capped vial until the listed expiration date. To avoid moisture, replace the original stopper, which contains a drying agent, immediately after use. Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from heat, moisure, and light. Do not freeze.

For Ketostix-Keep fingers or other objects from touching the reagent area before testing. Store at room temperatures between 59° and 86°F. Protect from heat, moisture, and light. Keep unused test strips in the original bottle with the cap tightly closed. Always replace the cap immediately and tightly. A new bottle can be used for 6 months. Always write the date you first opened the bottle on the bottle label. Do not use the strips after the expiration date has passed. Never transfer strips to another bottle. Do not remove the drying agent from bottle. It absorbs moisture and keeps the strips dry. Never put cotton or other materials in the bottle. If the reagent area becomes discolored or darkened, throw the strip away and use a strip from a new bottle. If using the individual foil-wrapped strips, do not remove strips until just prior to use.
Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while testing for ketones. The following drugs and drug classes interact with the tests to cause questionable results.

8-hydroxyquinolone

Phthalein compounds (eg, brom sulfophthalein)

Levodopa (eg, Larodopa)

Mesna (eg, Mesnex) tions)

Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)

Sulfhydryls

Phenazopyridine (eg, Pyridium)
Guidelines for Use

Follow the instructions on the label exactly.

Monitor urine for glucose and ketones as prescribed. Monitor urine ketones especially if your blood glucose level has been more than 250 mg/dL for 2 consecutive blood glucose determinations. Blood glucose monitoring is essential to achieve normal blood sugar levels. Keep track of your blood glucose results so that adjustments in your treatment program can be made more easily.

Ketones are not present in normal urine. Ketones in urine could be a sign of illness, stress, or poor diabetes control. Immediately report any positive test result to your doctor.

Have all of the materials you need before beginning the test: Tesfstrips or tablets, timer (stopwatch or watch with second hand), and a Clean dry container. For Acetest you will need a dropper and a clean, white piece of paper.

Color vision is needed to properly read test results. Have someone else confirm results if in doubt.

If test results seem questionable, confirm that product is within theexpiration date on the bottle. Repeat the test using a new test strip ortablet and fresh urine specimen.

Acetest-When a drop of urine is put onto a tablet, the drop should be absorbed within 30 seconds. If absorption takes more than 30 seconds, the tablets have been exposed to moisture and may not g.ive good results.

As with all laboratory tests, definitive diagnostic or therapeutic decisions should not be based on any single result or method.

Patients with diabetes should test for ketones:

When you have a cold, the flu, or any other kind of illness. When your urine sugar test results show you are spilling large amounts of sugar (at least 2% for at least 2 tests in a row or several days).

When you feel the signs of high blood sugar (more than 240mg/dL) or when your blood sugar is well over the range your doctor or educator has set for you.

When you are under unusual physical or emotional stress. Regularly during pregnancy.

Participate in a diabetes education program so that youl1nderstand diabetes and all aspects of its treatment, including diet, exercise, personal hygiene, and how to self-monitor blood glucose.

Diabetes education materials may be obtained through your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association.

Do not use opened or unopened product after expiration date.

Author is a professional writer on various topics like drugs information and prescription drugs. He is also proficient in writing about drug information. I hope you like the articles.

Glucose (Blood) Tests-Drug

How the Drug Works

Specially treated test strips indicate the blood glucose concentration. Regular monitoring of glucose aids in the control of diabetes. It will help determine medication, dietary and exercise needs and help decrease the complications (eg, neuropathies, retinopathies) and problems during pregnancy.
Uses

To monitor blood glucose levels In diabetics. To aid in control of the condition.

To aid in determining medication regimes, diet, and exercise programs for diabetics.

To help prevent development of complications during pregnancy.

Specimen Collection and Handling: All blood glucose test strips require a finger or earlobe stick. An automatic lancet device punctures the skin to obtain a single drop of blood. A manual lancet is more painful and laceration size and puncture depth cannot be predicted. These are important because they control the volume of the drop of blood. The size of the test pad varies among manufacturers. It must be completely covered with blood.

A single drop of blood is placed on the test strip. Begin timing when the test pad is covered completely. In some tests, the blood drop is wiped from the test strip at the end of the timed period. Timing is critical. The wiping or blotting technique and the recommended tissue paper or cotton for blotting may vary by manufacturer. The test strip is placed in the glucose meter. The results are read from the meter display. The visual test is read against the color key.

Storage and handling: A bottle of test strips can be used for 4 months after being opened. Always write the date the bottle is first opened on the bottle label. Never use the test strips past the expiration date indicated on the bottle label or foil packet. Use of strips beyond the expiration date may yield inaccurate results.

Keep unused test strips in the original bottle with cap tightly closed. Always replace the cap immediately and tightly. Never transfer test strips to another bottle. Leave the drying agent in the bottie. The drying agent absorbs moisture and keeps the strips dry. Never put cotton or other material in the bottle. Do not use discolored strips. Keep your fingers or other objects from touching the test pads before testing. Touching the pads could cause inaccurate test results.

Keep strip vial away from small children. A child could choke on the cap or drying agent, which could be harmful if swallowed. Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Do not store bottle in direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Do not store in cabinets with bleach or products containing bleach.
Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while testing for blood glucose. The following drugs and drug classes may interact with the test to cause questionable results:

Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol)

Fluoride

Aspirin (large amounts)

Methyldopa (large amounts)

Dopamine (large amounts)

Vitamin C
Guidelines for Use

Follow instructions on the label exactly.

Monitor blood for glucose as prescribed. Monitor urine ketones if your blood glucose level has been greater than 300 mg/dL for 2 consecutive blood glucose determinations.

Blood glucose monitoring is recommended to achieve normal blood sugar levels. Keep track of your blood glucose results so that adjustments in your treatment program can be made more easily.

Participate in a thorough diabetes education program so that you understand diabetes and all aspects of its treatment, including diet, exercise, personal hygiene and how to self-monitor blood glucose.

Apply the blood drop, time the reaction, blot the test pads and read the test results the same way each time you do the test.

Diabetics - Monitor glucose: When you have a cold, the flu or any other kind of illness. When you "feel" the signs of low or high blood sugar (greater than 240 mg/dL) or when your blood sugar is well over the range your doctor has set for you (if you do blood glucose monitoring). When you are under unusual physical or emotional stress. During pregnancy or after a testing pattern has been established with your doctor or educator.

Have all the materials you need before beginning the test: Test strips, timer (stop watch or watch with a second hand), sterile lancet, cotton or rayon balls, alcohol wipes, and glucose meter.

Color vision is needed to properly read visual, but not meter, test results. Have someone else confirm the visual test results if in doubt.

Quality control and sample tests may be required before testing.

If test results seem questionable, check expiration date on the label, repeat the test using a new test strip, run controls, check glucose meter and check procedure (timing).

If you are unable to identify the cause of a low or high test result, contact your doctor or diabetes educator. Know the symptoms of hypergly cemia (high blood sugar), which include thirst, hunger and frequent and excessive urination and those of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which include trembling, sweating, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and tingling or numbness around mouth or fingertips.

If you experience stomach pain, vomiting or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.

Individuals with high uric acid, bilirubin cholesterol, triglyceride or hematocrit levels may have lowered glucose levels.

Diabetes education may be obtained through your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association.

Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about benefits of drugs. He also holds experience writing about drugs treatment and drugs.