Alternative Site Testing (AST)
You have the option of obtaining a blood sample from other sites on your body
besides the fingertip. Blood obtained from a fingertip or palm can be used at any
time to measure blood glucose. The two palm testing sites are the fleshy areas
under the thumb (thenar) and under the little finger (hypothenar). If blood from an
alternative site such as the forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf is used, there are
certain times when testing is not appropriate (see next page). This is because your
glucose level changes quicker in your fingertip or palm than in the alternative sites.
These differences may cause you to make the wrong therapeutic decision producing
adverse health effects. Please read the following section before you try testing from
other sites.
21
Hypothenar
Thenar