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Important Information About AST
Sites other than your fingertip may have fewer nerve endings so obtaining
a blood sample from these sites may be less painful. The technique for
alternate site testing is different from fingertip testing. Blood glucose results
from sites other than your fingertip could be significantly different due to
blood glucose levels changing rapidly
after a meal, insulin, or exercise.
Consult with your diabetes healthcare professional prior to testing from
a site other than your fingertips.
Results obtained from sites other than the fingertip may differ significantly
as is the case with all blood glucose monitoring systems. Rapidly changing
results are likely to occur after eating. Insulin dosing and physical activity
are shown in the fingertip more quickly than in alternate sites.
On average, blood taken from the palm may give results as much as 5%
higher than blood taken from the fingertip.
ALTERNATE SITE TESTING (AST)