20
Alternative Site Testing
Important:
There are limitations with Alternative Site Testing (AST).
Please consult your health care professional before you perform AST.
Suggested Test Areas
for the Hand
Forearm
Upper Arm
Thigh
Calf
When to use AST?
Food, medication, illness, stress and exercise can affect blood glucose
levels. Capillary blood at the fingertip reflects these changes faster than
capillary blood at other sites. Thus, when testing blood glucose during or
immediately after a meal, physical exercise, or any other event,
take a
blood sample from your finger only.
We strongly recommend that you perform AST
ONLY
at the following
times:
● In a pre-meal or fasting state (more than 2 hours since the last meal).
● Two hours or more after taking insulin.
● Two hours or more after exercise.
Do
NOT
use AST if:
● You think your blood glucose is low.
● You are unaware of hypoglycemia.
● You are testing for hyperglycemia.
● Your AST results do not match the way you feel.
● Your routine glucose results often fluctuate.
