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Important:
There are limitations with AST (Alternative Site Testing).
Please consult your healthcare professional before you begin 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 up-
per arm, the calf or the thigh with results
equivalent to fingertip testing.
What’s 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 on the fingertips.
When to use AST?
Food, medication, illness, stress and exercise can affect blood
glucose levels. Capillary blood at the fingertip reflects these changes
faster than capillary blood at other sites. Therefore, when testing
blood glucose during or immediately after a meal or physical exercise,
or any other event,
take a blood sample from your finger only.
Alternative Site Testing (AST)
