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Blood Glucose Tests
Performing a Blood Glucose Test with Blood from Your Palm, Forearm, or Upper
Arm (Alternative Site Testing)
You have the option of obtaining a blood sample from other sites on your body besides the fingertip.
Alternative sites include the palm, forearm, and upper arm.
Blood obtained from the fingertip and palm can be used at any time to perform a blood glucose test.
If blood from the forearm or upper arm is used, there are certain times when testing is not appropriate.
This is because your blood glucose level changes faster in your fingertip and palm than in the forearm
and upper arm. These differences may cause you to misinterpret your actual blood glucose level, leading
to improper therapy and potential adverse health effects.
Read the next section before you try testing from the forearm or upper arm.
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