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Things to know when using AST
Please understand the following before testing at alternative
sites (forearms, palms, thighs, and calves).
The capillary whole blood of the fingertips shows changes in
glucose levels more rapidly than in alternative sites. Therefore,
the test results from the fingertip test and AST may differ. This is
because things such as lifestyle and ingested food have an effect
on glucose levels.
Acceptable situations for AST
When your blood glucose levels are stable
• Fasting period
• Before a meal
• Before sleeping
Situations requiring fingertip test
When your glucose levels are unstable
• During the two (2) hours after a meal or exercise
• When sick or when glucose levels seem quite lower
than test value
• When hypoglycaemia is not well recognized
• When insulin has the biggest effect
• Two (2) hours after an insulin injection
AST Precautions
• Do not ignore the symptoms of hyperglycemia or
hypoglycemia.
• When the results of the test do not reflect your opinion,
retest using the fingertip test. If the fingertip result still does
not reflect the way you feel, please consult your healthcare
professional.
• Do not rely on the AST results for changing your treatment
method.
• The amount of glucose in alternative sites differs from
person to person.
• Before using AST, please consult your healthcare
professional.
Note:
•
Results from alternative site and fingertip samples may
differ from each other as there is a time lag for the glucose
levels to reach the same value. Use a fingertip for testing
if you suffer from hypoglycaemia or have experienced
hypoglycaemic shock or symptoms.
Note:
•
If the sample drop of blood runs or spreads due to contact
with hair or with a line in your palm, do not use that sample.
Try puncturing again in a smoother area.
