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Caution
:
When performing Alternate Site Testing, please remember to change the cap of the lancing device to
the clear cap specially designed for AST.
There are limitations for doing AST:
•
Please consult your healthcare professional before you conduct AST.
•
The iHealth Wireless Smart Gluco-Monitoring System should only be used for AST under
steady-state blood glucose conditions.
What Is the Advantage of Alternative Site Testing?
Pain is felt more readily on the fingertips because they are full of nerve endings (receptors). At other
body sites where nerve endings are not so condensed, pain is not felt as acutely.
When Should You Use Alternative Site Testing?
Food, medication, illness, stress, and exercise can affect blood glucose levels. Capillary blood from the
fingertips reflects these changes faster than capillary blood from other sites. Therefore, when testing
blood glucose levels during or immediately after meals or exercise, or when another of the
above-noted conditions applies, take a blood sample from your fingertips only. AST should be used
only during steady-state times when glucose levels are not changing rapidly.
Blood glucose results from the forearm, upper arm, hand, thigh and calf are not always the same as
results from fingertips. Alternative Site Testing is suitable in the following instances:
In a pre-meal or fasting state (two hours or more after the last meal).
Two hours or more after taking insulin.
