FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PERSONALIZE WEIGHT LOSS WITH REAL-TIME METABOLIC DATA
Breath acetone measurements with the LEVL device provide vital data to monitor fat loss and personalize weight loss programs. This 15-second test allows clinicians to track weight loss trends while providing motivational and informative metrics to patients.
Learn more about breath acetone testing with LEVL:
Acetone, a ketone body present in the breath, is a byproduct of fat metabolism. Measuring acetone with the LEVL device helps weight loss providers personalize weight loss programs with real-time fat metabolism insights.
The LEVL device was designed specifically for weight loss and uses a proprietary sensor to measure low levels of acetone and can be integrated into any weight loss program. Blood and urine ketone tests were developed to identify ketoacidosis, which occurs once ketone levels are extremely high and the blood becomes acidic. These tests are therefore not sensitive to lower levels of ketones.
Respiratory quotient (RQ) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) are approximately the same measure for our purposes. They are estimated by measuring carbon dioxide and oxygen in the breath to determine the rate of carbon dioxide production and rate of oxygen uptake. The ratio of these two rates (CO2 productions to O2 uptake) provides an indication the amount of metabolism is from carbohydrates as compared to fats.
This measure can answer the question: What is my ratio of carbohydrate to fat metabolism?
Breath acetone provides an indication of how much fat is being burned – irrespective of carbohydrates. Breath acetone can indicate an absolute value of fat metabolism (e.g., grams of fat per day). As you will see below, breath acetone is more sensitive to changes in fat metabolism as compared to RMR and the measurement of breath acetone with LEVL takes seconds vs. minutes. Read more…
Because the LEVL device measures low levels of ketones as the body transitions to elevated fat metabolism, it can be used with any prescribed weight loss program. Blood and urine tests were developed to identify ketoacidosis and are not sensitive to lower levels of ketones that are indicative of fat loss. Based on the scientific data, a measurement of 2.0 Parts Per Million (PPM) equates to 0.5 pounds of body fat burned per week (if this level is maintained throughout the week).* Visit our blog to learn more about the patient journey.
Testing patients with LEVL is quick and simple to incorporate into your existing workflow with results delivered in 15-seconds. .
- Complete the patient data on the LEVL desktop app.
- Remove the LEVL breath pod from the device and insert a disposable mouthpiece.
- Ask the patient to hold their breath for 5 seconds, then tell them to breathe comfortably into the breath pod for 5-10 seconds emptying their lungs.
- Place the breath pod into the LEVL device to start the analysis. Results are delivered to the LEVL desktop app in 15-seconds and can be printed or exported to your EMR.
Patients should take a measurement at their first visit and every office visit thereafter. Measurements can be used to keep patients motivated with fat loss predictions, confirm compliance and personalize weight loss programs for patient success.
SENSITIVITY AND ACCURACY
The LEVL device was designed specifically for weight loss and measures wide spectrum of ketosis regardless of dietary approach.
To ensure accuracy and precision, the LEVL device is calibrated every 14 days using known gas concentrations. Calibration gas can also be used to check accuracy at any point.
QUICK AND SIMPLE
Measurements as easy for patients and only require a comfortable 5-10 second exhale. Results are delivered to the LEVL desktop app in 15 seconds.
BACKED BY SCIENCE
While acetone measurements in breath have been studied for over 50 years, efforts over the last 20 years have better explained the relationship between breath acetone and fat loss. The LEVL device offers a tool to quickly quantify the rate of fat loss.
LEVL Clinical Scientist, Joe Anderson Ph.D. emphasizes the significance of breath acetone measurement as it applies to the weight loss in his review, Measuring Breath Acetone for Monitoring Fat Loss in Obesity – A Research Journal. Read the Review
REIMBURSIBLE
LEVL measures breath acetone, which is reimbursable with CPT code #82010. This measurement is covered by Medicare and most insurance providers. If you have any questions about insurance coverage, contact insurance providers directly.
LEVL is FDA cleared, HIPAA compliant and exempt from CLIA.