42
ALTERNATE SITE
TESTING
i
Mportant
i
nforMation
a
Bout
a
lternate
s
ite
t
estinG
1.
Consult your physician before testing at alternative sites.
2.
Testing during or after a meal, physical exercise or any other event that
will impact glucose levels can alter your blood glucose test results. Use
fingers for most accurate testing.
3.
Test results may differ significantly between alternative site samples and
fingertip samples.
4.
Changes in blood glucose levels typically are identified sooner from tests
on samples from fingertips than from samples from alternate sites.
5.
Alternative site testing should only be used two or more hours after
meals, physical exercise or any other event that may affect blood glucose
levels.
6.
Testing using a fingertip sample may identify a hypoglycemic (low blood
sugar) level sooner than a test performed at an alternative site.
7.
Use fingertip samples if you are concerned with hypoglycemia (insulin
reactions) if you are about to drive a car, particularly if you suffer from
hypoglycemic unawareness (lack of symptoms to indicate an insulin reac-
tion), as arm testing may fail to detect hypoglycemia.
8.
Alternative site sample testing is NOT recommended for people with a
history of recurring hypoglycemia.
9.
Routine testing before meals can be done at either the fingertip or alter-
native test sites.
note:
Wash test sites with soap and water before testing. Be sure that the area
being tested is free from lotions, creams, or any foreign substance and is
completely clean and dry before testing. To bring fresh blood to the sur-
face of test site, rub the test site for a few seconds until it gets warm. Make
sure hands are also clean and dry before testing.
