Blood Glucose Tests
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Performing a Blood Glucose Test with Blood from Your Palm or Upper Arm
(Alternative Site Testing, AST)
WARNING
• Do not use Alternative Site Testing to calibrate a continuous glucose monitoring system.
• Do not use Alternative Site Testing to make insulin dosing calculations.
• Alternative Site Testing should be done only during steady-state times (when glucose is not
changing rapidly).
You have the option of obtaining a blood sample from other sites on your body besides the fingertip.
Alternative sites include the palm and upper arm.
Blood obtained from the fingertip can be used at any time to test blood glucose.
If blood from an alternative site is used, there are certain times when testing is not appropriate. This is
because your blood glucose level changes faster in your fingertip than in the alternative sites. 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 alternative sites.
You may perform a palm or
upper arm test
You may NOT perform a palm
or upper arm test
If you are interested in AST, talk to your healthcare professional first.
To obtain an AST cap and detailed AST instructions, contact the Accu-Chek Customer Care Service Center
at 1-800-858-8072.
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• immediately before a meal.
• while fasting.
• up to 2 hours following a meal, when blood glucose values can rise
quickly.
• after injecting bolus insulin, when blood glucose values can
decrease rapidly.
• after exercise.
• if you are sick.
• if you think your blood glucose is low (hypoglycemia).
• if you sometimes do not notice when your blood glucose is low.