A. Ketone body existing in the blood is composed of acetone, BOHB (β-hydroxybutyrate) and ACAC (acetoacetate), and blood ketone concentration measurement uses the method of measuring one of these three substances. Currently, commercialized measurement methods are BOHB measurement using blood and ACAC measurement using urine, but blood examination provides more precise ketone status than urine examination. For blood ketone concentration measurement through blood examination, currently BOHB measurement is generalized, but with development and release of KETOSCAN, blood ketone measurement through non-invasive way became possible, so blood ketone concentration can be measured without blood.
Q. Difference between Acetone Measurement and Blood Measurement (BOHB)
A. Both are blood ketone concentration measurements, and therefore, people who used BOHB measurement through blood measurement to find out blood ketone concentration can replace with acetone measurement using KETOSCAN Mini. However, both measurements have advantages and disadvantages. Representatively, BOHB measurement using blood has relatively variable readings. So it is difficult to find out consistent ketone body generation inside the body, but acetone measurement through exhaled breath is the better to find out the trend of ketone body generation. On the other hand, acetone measurement through exhaled breath may be affected by other gases such as alcoholic beverage or food smell, etc. But, KETOSCAN Mini has high sensitive acetone sensor technology, and furthermore, if the measurement is carried out according to the procedure presented in the app, you can exclude the effect of other gases. Even though the two measurements measure different substances in ketone body, but it is a clear fact that breath acetone reading and blood BOHB concentration have significant correlations, which is verified through many clinical tests and researches. That is, the fact that, as blood BOHB concentration increases, acetone reading also increases, is already proven in the academic sector, but it is difficult to precisely match the two results 1:1. Therefore, KETOSCAN Mini does not display blood BOHB concentration but shows acetone reading and the result with ketosis level, which is the reliable indicator of body fat burning rate and ketone generation based on acetone reading.
Q. Precision of KETOSCAN Mini
A. Sentech GMI Corp. guarantees the precision of KETOSCAN using breath gas analysis technology of the mother company, Sentech Korea Corp, has more than 20 year’s law enforcement breathalyzer technology, and it is the leading global product with US FDA approval for safe use. Also, BOHB measurement unit is mM(1/1,000), and KETOSCAN acetone measurement unit is PPM(1/1,000,000), so acetone measurement provides higher density measurement than BOHB measurement, and it has the advantage that can display and check the smaller amounts that could not be measured from the blood.
Q. How much does it cost to sensor replacement in the US?
A. After 300 tests, the device will initiate a grace period of 20 more tests before maintenance is required.
For that reason, we recommend that you send your device to our US service center in California before reaching 320 test cycles, as the unit will be locked at 320 tests. The mobile app will display a warning message after 300 tests indicating that maintenance service is required and indicate how many tests remain until the device is locked. (This message is only available when your device is paired with the mobile app) About the maintenance service: we will replace your used sensor with a new one (including calibration!) and then return it to you as good as new! The cost of the sensor replacement service is $30. This price includes the return ground shipping within the US.
The process takes about 5 working days after receiving your shipment. For a more detailed process of the sensor replacement service, please email us at: service@sentech-usa.com
or call our customer service line at 310-526-8231
Q. Why does the device lock at 320 tests? Why must the sensor be replaced?
A. Because the high-grade sensor in Ketoscan mini is always exposed to other gasses, saliva, temperature fluctuations and humidity. It must be replaced after 300 test cycles (max. 320 test cycles) to reliably maintain its highly accurate results.
