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Alternative Site Testing
What is AST (Alternative Site Testing)?
Usually, when someone tests their glucose, they take the
blood sample from the tip of the finger. However, since there
are many nerve endings distributed there, it can be quite
painful. When doing a glucose test, using different parts of
the body, such as the forearms, palms, thighs, and calves,
can reduce the pain during testing.
This method of testing with different parts of the body is
called Alternative Site Testing. While AST may reduce the
pain during testing, it may not be simple for everyone and the
following precautions should be observed during testing.
Alternative Sites for Testing
Alternative Site Blood Sampling (forearm, palm, thigh, calf)
Select a clean, soft and fleshy sample site area free of visible
veins and hair and away from bones. Gently massage the
sample site to help blood circulation to minimize result
differences between fingertip and alternative site sampling.
Firmly press and hold the lancing device against site. Wait until
the skin surface under the lancing device changes color.
Then press the release button while continuing to apply
pressure. Keep holding the lancing device against your skin
until sufficient (at least 0.5 μL) blood is drawn. Carefully lift the
lancing device away from your skin.
