BKT Glucose Test Strip Manual

BKT Ketone Test Strip Manual

To fix this error simply set the time and date on your meter, then try coding your meter again. That should solve your problem. If not, let us know.

How to Setup Your BKT Meter

Setting up your BKT meter is simple and easy. It only takes a few minutes to get started before you can begin testing your ketones. Here’s a quick guide to setting up your meter for the first time.

How to power the meter on 

To activate your meter for the first time, start by opening the battery compartment on the back of the device. Your meter comes with two AAA batteries pre-inserted. Without any test strips inserted, press the S button (the small orange button next to the batteries) to power the meter on. Do not replace the cover yet. You’ll need to continue using the S button throughout the setup process. 

Note that the meter will automatically power off after 3 minutes of inactivity in settings mode.

How to set the date and time 

Although your meter comes with the date and time preset, it may not be accurate for your region and timezone. It’s crucial to make sure that your meter is set to the correct year. Otherwise, you can receive error codes that waste test strips. 

Setting the year

First, you’ll see the YEAR flashing on the meter’s screen. If the year is incorrect, press the M button (The large button on the front of your device) to cycle the year forward. Once you reach the correct year, press the S button to set the date. 

If you accidentally go past the current year, cycle forward with the M button until you reach the year 2050. The device will then reset to the year 2005, allowing you to start over. 

Setting the month and day

After you confirm the year, the MONTH will begin flashing, followed by the DAY. Use the same process of advancing with the M button and confirming with the S button until the date is correct.

Setting the time

You can choose between the 12h or 24h time format when setting up your device. Press “M” to toggle between the choices and “S” to set your desired time format. Once you choose your format, use the M button to select the current hour/minute and the S button to confirm your choice.

How to set the unit of glucose measurement

To set the unit of measurement for glucose, press the M button to switch between mg/dL or mmol/L and press the S button to confirm your choice. Note that changing this setting will not affect your ketone unit of measurement, which is always mmol/L.

How to toggle the buzzer

Your BKT meter comes with a built-in buzzer to alert you when the unit receives enough blood for a reading. If you don’t want the buzzer to sound off, use “M” to toggle between ON and OFF and “S” to confirm your choice. 

How to clear the meter’s memory 

Each BKT test meter can hold up to 1,000 memories. However, when you receive your new device, there won’t be any memories to delete. When “DEL” appears on the screen, press “M” to select “no” and “S” to advance to the next setting. If you’d like to delete the device’s memories at any point in the future, you can access this setting by switching the device to settings mode.

How to toggle the alarms 

You can set up to 4 repeating alarms on your BKT meter to remind you to test throughout the day. By default, alarms are turned off on new meters. If you want to keep them off, you can skip through this setting by pressing the S button for each of the 4 alarms. 

To activate an alarm, press “M” to change “OFF” to “ON” and press “S” to confirm your choice. Use the M button to select your chosen hour/minute and the S button to set the alarm. Repeat as desired for all 4 alarms.

After setting an alarm, it will automatically sound for 2 minutes until you deactivate it with the M button. 

How to toggle the autosync

Use the M and S buttons to toggle the autosync function on and off. The BKT meter’s autosync function automatically sends your device’s data to the connected smartphone app via Bluetooth. However, you’ll still need to manually select “sync” via the app to see your results. 

How to toggle the backlight

Your BKT meter’s built-in backlight is turned on by default. To turn it off, use the M button to switch it to “OFF” and confirm your choice with “S”. 

How to change any of the settings above

To change any of these settings after the initial setup, all you have to do is switch your meter to “settings mode”. To enter settings mode, press the S button on the back of the device while the meter is powered on and use the “M” and “S” buttons to toggle through the choices.

Congratulations! 

You’ve just finished setting up your new BKT meter. Now it’s time to code your test strips to the meter so that you can start testing for ketones. Click here to see our walkthrough on the process.

Ketone Test Strips: What You Need to Know

BKT ketone test strips are simple and easy to use once you finish coding them to your meter. Although the coding process might sound intimidating at first, the process is easy and only takes a few minutes. Storing them properly is also effortless. Here’s everything you need to know about our quality ketone test strips and how to take care of them. 

What is the ketone test strip key code?

Each new vial of ketone strips comes with a special key code unique to your strips. This key is used to properly calibrate the BKT meter to your new test strips, ensuring that all your readings are accurate. This is why it’s crucial to properly calibrate your meter with the key code before testing for ketones. 

Where can I find my key code?

When you purchase a new BKT meter and test kit, you’ll find a key code located in the side pocket of the accessory kit. In new boxes of ketone strips, you can find your key code at the bottom of the box, not inside the vial of ketone strips. 

How do I calibrate the key code to my meter?

To properly calibrate your BKT meter, all you have to do is insert the key code into the strip port at the top of the device. After checking for a moment, your meter will display a 3-digit code that corresponds to the number on your key code and strip vial. Now your strips are properly calibrated to your device.

You only have to calibrate your meter to a new box of strips once. After that, you’re good to keep testing until your strips run out! That said, it’s important that you keep the key code on-hand in case you do need to use it again.

We are unable to provide replacement key codes, so keeping track of your key code is important to ensuring that you are able to properly use your ketone strips. If you’ve lost or misplaced your key code, please contact customer support for additional assistance. 

Congratulations!

You’ve just finished coding your first set of test strips to your new meter! Now let’s go over how to properly store your ketone strips. Storing your strips improperly can lead to inaccurate test results, so it’s imperative that you keep your strips in the proper environment. 

How to Properly Test with Your BKT Meter

After your BKT meter has been properly set up and calibrated to your test strips, you can now begin testing for ketones in your blood. Testing is a straightforward process that’s easy to master once you get the hang of it. Here’s all the info you need to run your very first ketone or glucose test!

How to test for ketones using the BKT meter

Start by inserting a fresh ketone strip into your BKT meter and wait while it checks itself. It will display “CH” on the screen for “checking”. When the meter displays a flashing blood droplet along with the 3-digit code that matches the number on your test strip vial, your meter is ready for testing. 

Prick your finger using the included lancing device and squeeze out a drop of blood, around half the size of a matchstick head. For more information on properly using the lancing device, click here. With the test strip still inserted in the meter, bring the tip of the strip to the drop of blood on your finger. The strip will automatically draw in the blood with capillary action. 

Hold the test strip against your finger and wait until the meter begins to count down. Now all you have to do is wait for the meter to display your result! 

How to test for glucose using the BKT meter

You can also test your glucose readings using the BKT meter. Just follow the same steps above using a glucose test strip instead.

The BKT meter also comes with three optional modes for measuring glucose. You can easily switch between them by pressing the “M” button while a glucose test strip is inserted into the meter. Your can choose between Gen, for any time of day, AC, for Ante Cibum (before eating a meal) and PC, for Post Cibum (after eating a meal). 

Common testing problems and how to fix them

I pushed the strip too far into my finger 

Pushing the test strip too far into your finger can stop the flow of blood, which often results in an error message. To fix this, simply insert a fresh strip and try again. Be careful to only touch the tip to the drop of blood on your finger. The capillary action of the strip will take care of drawing the droplet in for you.   

I pulled my finger away too soon 

An easy enough fix! Simply insert a fresh test strip and hold the meter against your finger until it begins to count down. 

I didn’t get enough blood on the strip

If your blood sample was too small for the meter to produce a result, try squeezing out another drop or pricking a different finger before testing again. You can try washing your hands in warm water or rubbing them together beforehand to increase blood flow

If you continue to receive error messages even after following these steps, take a look at our guide to BKT meter error codes or contact us to see how we can help.  

Troubleshooting BKT Error Codes: Your Definitive Guide

If you’re having trouble using your new BKT meter properly, don’t panic. Although receiving error codes can be frustrating, the good news is that most common errors are only a quick fix away. That’s why we’ve set up this definitive guide on BKT meter error codes and how to fix them. 

What is an E-2 error code?

The E2 error code is one of the most common errors experienced with the BKT meter. It’s typically a result of your meter being set to the incorrect year, which can trick the device into believing that your test strips have expired. Thankfully, this error is easy to fix. 

How to fix an E-2 error code

To fix an E-2 error code, all you have to do is press the S button (on the back of your device, next to the batteries) to switch your meter to “settings mode”. Once you’ve activated settings mode, use the M button (the big button on the front of the device) to toggle to the correct year and press S to confirm your choice. If you accidentally go past the current year, keep going until you hit 2050. The device will reset to 2005, giving you another chance to choose the current year. 

Once you have the meter set to the correct year, continue the setup procedure until you’re finished with every option. To verify that your BKT meter is working properly, insert the keycard code that came with your test strips and wait for the meter to finish checking itself. When the meter displays the code, make sure that it matches the one on your ketone strips vial. 

What is an E-U error code?

The E-U error code is caused by the meter believing a test strip has already been used. This is typically caused by accidentally getting blood on the test strip before inserting it into the device. Here are some tips to prevent receiving E-U codes in the future.

How to fix an E-U error code

To avoid getting blood on your test strips before inserting them, first make sure that your hands are freshly washed and thoroughly dried. In addition to preventing contamination, the warmth from washing your hands can make the blood flow easier. 

With clean hands, insert a fresh strip into the meter and wait for it to finish checking the strip. Once it’s finished checking, the code matching the number on your vial of ketone strips will display on the screen, along with a flashing blood droplet icon. This signals that the meter is ready for a test. 

Now, prick your finger with the lancet and wait 4 seconds before squeezing out a droplet of blood. Bring your finger to the test strip (still inserted in the meter) and allow the meter to collect your blood droplet. All you have to do now is wait for the meter to display your results! 

What is an E-F error code? 

When squeezing out blood for testing, it’s important to make sure that your blood droplet is big enough. Using a droplet that’s too small can result in an E-F (filling) error code, which can be often solved by collecting a bigger droplet for the test. 

Sometimes, an E-F error can also be caused by pulling the strip away from your finger too soon or having an HCT result above 75%. Here’s a set of tips you can use to avoid getting E-F errors in the future.

How to fix an E-F error code

First and foremost, make sure your blood droplet is the adequate size -- around half the size of a matchstick head. Try adjusting the depth of your lancing device’s pierce to get a bigger drop of blood. Most lancing devices offer adjustible depths for different skin types, so experiment with the settings until you find the right one for you. 

You can also try washing your hands in warm water or rubbing them together beforehand. This will increase blood flow in your fingertips, which can help you squeeze out an adequate drop of blood. 

What is a PC Code?

Unlike other codes displayed by the BKT meter, a PC code isn’t actually an error code. This code is usually caused by a connection error of some sort, and there are two possible solutions for it. 

How do I fix a PC Code?

If your BKT meter is having trouble syncing with your smart device via our app, try closing out the app and reopening it before attempting to sync again. This usually remedies the problem. 

If you receive a PC code while a test strip is inserted into the meter, try removing the strip and putting it back in. Your meter may have been unable to properly connect with the test strip. Note that the meter cannot produce an accurate result while displaying a PC code, so be careful not to get any blood on the test strip until the issue is resolved.

Miscellaneous error codes and how to fix them

How to fix an E-b error code

An E-b error code signifies a low battery or a poor connection to the battery. This error code can usually be solved by swapping out or charging the meter’s batteries. If your batteries are new and you’re still experiencing this error code, make sure that the batteries are properly inserted into the meter or try using a different brand. 

Having low batteries can create other error messages or cause your meter to produce inaccurate test results, so always make sure that your meter’s batteries are well-charged before testing.   

How to fix an E-t error code

E-t errors, or temperature errors, are caused by being in an environment that’s too hot or too cold for the meter to function properly. The BKT meter is designed to operate in between temperatures of 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).

This error usually can be solved by moving to a warmer or cooler environment before testing again. 

How to fix E-0, E-A, E-E or E-C error codes

These miscellaneous error codes can often be solved by turning your meter on and off again. 

Try removing and re-inserting the batteries to restart the device, and follow the steps in our previous article for setting up the meter. Make sure the year is set correctly to avoid E-2 errors. Insert the code key that came with your test strips and wait for “CH” (this stands for checking) to appear on the screen. 

After the meter is finished checking itself, your keycode should display on the screen. Verify that the code matches the one on your vial before inserting a test strip. After inserting a fresh test strip into your meter, wait for the device to display a code on the screen before testing. 

If none of these steps resolve the error codes, please contact customer support so that we can help you troubleshoot further. Every BKT meter comes with a lifetime guarantee, and we’ve always got your back to help you test your ketones properly. To get more information on how to properly test for ketones, check out our next article in the series here!

How to Use A Lancing Device

A lancet is a small needle used to prick your finger to draw a blood sample. You can easily purchase them from our online store. Each BKT meter starter kit comes with a lancing device to make drawing blood for your test results effortless. Although it may look intimidating at first, the device is simple and easy to use once you understand how. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to cleanly and safely use your lancing device, helping you obtain accurate test results with your BKT meter.

How do I use a lancing device?

Preparing the skin

Before you test for ketones, make sure that your hands are freshly clean and dry. Washing your hands in warm water can increase blood flow in your hands and so can rubbing your hands together beforehand. You can also swab alcohol over the area you plan to draw blood from. 

Inserting the lancet

Once your hands are clean, remove the cap of your BKT lancing device by twisting it to the right. With the cap off, insert a sterile lancet into your device and press it down firmly. Twist off the protective disk covering the lancet and set it aside, being careful not to twist the lancet itself. Remember to save the protective disk; it will help with safely disposing of the lancet later. 

Replace the cap on the top of the device by snapping it back to the left. Don’t worry if the cap seems like it won’t snap at first. Just give it a quick twist. From here, you can adjust the device’s depth settings. 

Adjusting the depth

Each BKT lancet device comes with 6 puncture-depth settings designed for different types of skin. Smaller numbers are for more shallow punctures and work best for softer skin. Higher numbers are for more deep punctures and are ideal for thick or calloused skin. 

Try using the device on shallower settings first, then gradually increase the depth until you find the setting that works for you. 

Where to draw the sample from

The most traditional location for drawing blood is your fingertips, usually from the sides. There are fewer nerve endings in this location than the actual pads of your fingers, which can make the experience more painless. 

You can also draw blood from the side of your hand or the heel of your palm if you prefer.

Drawing the sample

Once you’ve properly set the depth of your lancet device, it’s time to draw the blood sample. To prepare your lancing device for making the puncture, pull the grey knob on the device’s end until it clicks. The button on the side of the device should glow orange, signifying that it is ready to use.

To make the puncture, hold the device firmly against your skin and press the button on the side of the device (the one with the orange glow). This will initiate a quick, relatively painless prick. After initiating the puncture, set the device aside and gently squeeze your finger until a drop of blood pools on the tip. 

Note: Do not use the sample if the blood smears or runs. This can cause an error code on your BKT meter. If this happens, simply clean your finger and squeeze out another drop of blood, or make a new puncture instead. 

Can I reuse lancets? 

The CDC strongly recommends against reusing lancets, even if only a single person is using them. Lancets are only sterile for their initial use, and using a dirty lancet can throw off your test results. The good news is that lancets are relatively affordable and easy to obtain.

Where can I buy more lancets?

You can purchase more lancets directly from our online store, here!

The BKT lancet device also works with most 28-30 gauge lancets that have a twist-top, which can be purchased at drugstores or pharmacies.

What should I do with my used lancets?

While it may seem all right to simply throw a used lancet away, tossing a sharp object in the trash can be hazardous to those who handle the garbage. That’s why the EPA classifies used lancets as a type of medical waste called “sharps”. 

Each state has its own set of rules and guidelines for properly disposing of sharps, which you can learn more about via your local waste collection agency or recycling company. But in general, don’t dispose of your used lancets in the regular garbage. Instead, you can purchase a “sharps box” from your local pharmacy or medical clinic. Once you fill the sharps box with used lancets, you can return it to the pharmacy or clinic for safe disposal.

You can also visit the official CDC website for more information on how to safely dispose of used lancets.  

In conclusion:

With proper usage of the BKT lancing device, gathering the blood you need for a ketone test is simple and quick. You can rest assured that your test results are accurate, too, because our meters are some of the most dependable on the market. 

Click here to learn all about the BKT meter’s test accuracy and how you can test it for yourself.

BKT Meter Accuracy Stats and How to Perform a Control Test

The BKT ketone meter is one of the most accurate ketone test devices on the market. Our state-of-the-art meters don’t just meet all FDA and ISO standards, they exceed them. Testing with the BKT meter is the next best thing to running a lab test for ketones. You can always count on our meters to give accurate, exacting results backed by our lifetime warranty. 

However, it can be reassuring to have visual evidence that your meter is working as it should be, especially if you suspect that the meter may have been damaged. That’s why we sell bottles of Ketone Control Solution and Glucose Control Solution in our online store. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the BKT meter’s accuracy levels and how to perform a control test at home. 

Ketone test accuracy

The BKT ketone meter measures approximately 1 micro-liter of blood for each ketone test, far less than the amount needed for a lab test.

For BKT ketone meter readings of 2.0 mmol/L or less, you can count on:

• 100% accuracy within 0.5 mmol/L of your lab results 

• 90% accuracy within 0.3 mmol/L. 

Ultimately, this means that 90% of the time, your readings will be within 0.3mmol/L of the same test results you’d receive in a lab.

 For readings over 2 mmol/L, you can count on the meter’s results to be: 

• Within 25% of your lab results 100% of the time 

• Within 15% of your lab results 97% of the time 

• Within 10% of your lab results 81% of the time. 

Meaning that your readings will be within 10% of your lab results 81% of the time.

Glucose test accuracy

The BKT meter isn’t just accurate for ketone readings. You can also receive accurate glucose readings with the meter as well. 

BKT’s accuracy ratings for glucose readings under 75 mg/dL are: 

• 100% within 15 mg/dL of your lab test results 

• 97% within 10 mg/dL  of your lab test results

• 67% within 5 mg/dL. of your lab test results

For readings over 75 mg/dL, you can expect: 

• 100% accuracy within 20% of your lab test results

• 98% within 15 % of your lab test results

• 96% within 10 % of your lab test results

• 79% within 5 % of your lab test results

Ultimately, this means that you can count on the meter to give you results that are within 10% of your lab results 96% of the time.

Control Tests: what you need to know

As you can see, the BKT test meter’s results are the next best thing to an official laboratory test. However, there may be times when you suspect that your meter may be displaying inaccurate readings. But don’t stress: we sell bottles of ketone and glucose control solutions in our online store for this exact purpose. 

Using these solutions, you can perform a control test in a matter of minutes, giving you peace of mind about your meter’s accuracy.

When should I perform a control test on my meter? 

Any time you feel that your meter may be miscalibrated or giving inaccurate readings--such as if you’ve dropped your meter or suspect that it might’ve been damaged in any way--you can perform a control test to verify that the meter is still producing accurate results. 

There is a code written on the side of each bottle of ketone and glucose control solution. Either ketone L1 or L2, or Glucose W2 or B3. You can find the number range corresponding to these codes on your vial of test strips under “solution range”. This is how you’ll verify your test results. 

How to perform a ketone control test

You’ll need your BKT meter, an unused test strip and a bottle of control solution. Start by inserting the test strip into your meter and waiting for the flashing drop of blood to appear on the screen. After shaking the bottle thoroughly, squeeze out a drop of control solution onto the tip of the bottle cap as a test, then wipe it off and squeeze another one onto the tip of the bottle cap. 

Note: for best results, do not apply control solution onto a strip straight out of the bottle. This can contaminate the control solution and throw off your test results. 

Making sure the strip is still inserted in the meter, place the tip of the test strip against the droplet of control solution on the tip of the bottle cap and hold it there until the meter begins its countdown. Once the meter displays the test results, compare the number to the range printed on your test strip vial. If the number falls within the solution range your meter has passed the test! Remember to clean off the bottle cap before placing it back onto your solution.

Where are the results of my control test stored?

Your meter will recognize control solution and will automatically tag the reading as “QC”. Your test results will be stored under “QC” rather than with your personal test results. 

What if my meter fails the test?

Sometimes an inaccurate test may simply be a result of running the test incorrectly. If the number falls outside of the range on the vial of ketone strips, try running the test again, making sure not to use the solution straight out of the bottle. Squeeze the solution onto the tip of the cap instead.

If your meter still fails the test even after multiple tries, please contact customer support for additional assistance. Our meters are backed by a lifetime warranty, and we’re more than happy to help you troubleshoot any problems you may be experiencing with your ketone meter.

Does BKT control solution expire? 

Our control solutions last around 12-18 months or 90 days after opening the bottle. Whatever comes first. You can find the exact expiration date of your control solution printed on the bottle. 

In conclusion:

Thanks to our control solutions, you can be always confident that your test results are as accurate as possible. The high reliability of the BKT meter gives you readings you can count on, and you can keep testing your ketones with confidence.