19
Alternative Site Testing (AST)
You have the option of obtaining a blood sample from
other sites on your body besides the fingertip. Alternative
sites include the palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh, and
calf. The two palm testing sites are the fleshy areas under
the thumb (thenar) and under the little finger (hypothenar).
Blood obtained from the fingertip and palm can be used at
any time to test blood glucose. If blood from the forearm,
upper arm, thigh, or calf is used, there are certain times
when testing is not appropriate (see the following section).
This is because your blood glucose level changes faster in
your fingertip and palm than in the forearm, upper arm,
thigh, and calf. These differences may cause you to make
the wrong therapeutic decision, producing adverse health
effects. Please read the following section before you test
from alternative sites.
IMPORTANT
Talk to your healthcare professional before you perform an alternative site test.
approved alternative sites
50705_05853397002_EN.indb 19 4/24/12 8:32 AM
To Next Page
Loading...
