Alternative Site Testing
IMPORTANT: There are limitations with AST (Alternative Site
Testing). Please consult your health care professional before you
perform AST.
What is AST?
Alternative site testing (AST) means that
people use parts of the body other than
the fingertips to check their blood glucose
levels. This system allows you to test on
the palm, the forearm, the upper arm,
the calf or the thigh with the equivalent
results to fingertip testing.
What is the advantage?
Fingertips feel pain more readily because
they are full of nerve endings (receptors).
At other body sites, since nerve endings
are not so condensed, you will not feel as
much pain as at the fingertips.
When to use AST?
Food, medication, illness, stress and exercise can affect blood glucose
levels. Capillary blood at fingers reflects these changes faster than
capillary blood at other sites. Thus, when testing blood glucose during
or immediately after a meal, exercise, or any other event, take the
blood sample from your finger only.
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