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Blood glucose Tests
Performing a Blood glucose Test with Blood from Your Palm (Alternate Site Testing)
You have the option of obtaining a blood sample from other sites on your body besides
the fingertip. Alternate sites include 2 palm testing sites. The 2 palm testing sites are
the fleshy areas under the thumb (A thenar) and under the little finger
(B hypothenar).
Blood obtained from the fingertip can be used at any time to test blood glucose.
If blood from an alternate site is used, there are certain times when testing is not
appropriate. This is because your blood glucose level changes faster in your fingertip
than in the alternate sites. These differences may cause you to misinterpret your
actual blood glucose level, leading to improper therapy and potential adverse health effects.
Read the next section before you try testing from alternate sites.
You may
perform a palm
test
• immediately before a meal.
• while fasting.
You may NOT
perform a palm
test
• up to 2 hours following a meal, when blood glucose values can rise quickly.
• after injecting bolus insulin, when blood glucose values can decrease rapidly.
• after exercise.
• if you are sick.
• if you think your blood glucose is low (hypoglycemia).
• if you sometimes do not notice when your blood glucose is low.
If you are interested in AST, talk to your healthcare professional first.
To obtain an AST cap and detailed AST instructions, contact the ACCU-CHEK Customer Care Service Center at
1-800-858-8072.
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