I just couldn't understand why at most the test strips I was using showed a trace of ketones even though it was a sealed package with an April 2003 expiry date. I had a bottle of Ketostix which I had intend to send to my mother and lo and behold they indicate anywhere from a small to moderate ketone level.

The first batch were from LW Scientific Inc which I purchased at GNC. Either they're not so sensitive or they were improperly stored during shipping. Either way, in future I'll be buying my test strips (of whatever brand) at the drug store, since I think they're a lot more careful with them.

So if you're new (or even if you're not) and are using a new bottle of test strips consider that they may not be accurate, even if you're keeping your carbs low.

Jay