306_33481_PerfManLAapacEN.qxp
Alternative Site Testing (AST)
You have the option of testing other places on your body besides the fingertip. Blood obtained
from a fingertip or palm – fleshy part of the hand under the thumb (thenar) and the little finger
(hypothenar) – can be used at any time to measure blood glucose. If blood from an alternative site –
forearm, upper arm, thigh, or calf – is used, there are certain times when testing is not appropriate
(see below). This is because your glucose level changes quicker in your fingertip or palm than in the
alternative sites. These differences may cause you to make the wrong therapeutic decision produc-
ing adverse health effects. Please read the following section before you try testing from other places.
IMPORTANT
•
Talk to your healthcare professional about
Alternative Site Testing.
▲
Do not change your treatment because of
!
just one result.
NEVER ignore symptoms of high or low
blood glucose.
If your blood glucose does not match how
you feel, perform a fingertip/palm test to
confirm your result. If the fingertip/palm
result still does not match how you feel,
call your healthcare professional.
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Alternative site testing may be done:
•
Immediately before a meal
•
Fasting
DO NOT test from an alternative site:
•
Two hours or less after eating
•
After exercising
•
If you are sick
•
If you think your blood glucose is low
•
If you often don't notice when your
blood glucose is low
•
When basal insulin is most active
•
After injecting rapid-acting insulin
(two hours or less)
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