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Things to know when using AST
Please understand the following before testing at sites other
than the fingertip (forearms, palms, thighs, and calves).
The capillary whole blood of the fingertips shows changes
in glucose levels more rapidly than from alternative sites.
Therefore, the test results from the fingertip testing and AST
may differ. This is because things such as lifestyle and ingested
food having an effect on glucose levels.
Acceptable situations for AST
• Fasting period.
• Before a meal.
Situations requiring fingertip test
• When the glucose levels are rapidly increasing, such as
during the two (2) hours after a meal or exercise.
• When sick or when glucose levels seem quite lower
than test value.
• When hypoglycemia is not well recognized.
• When insulin has the biggest effect.
• Two (2) hours after an insulin injection.
Caution:
AST results should never be used to calibrate
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems nor entered into an
insulin dosing calculator or pump for dosing recommendations.