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Things to Know When Using AST
Please read the following before testing at alternative sites
(forearms, palms, thighs, and calves).
The capillary whole blood of the fingertips reflects changes in
glucose levels more rapidly than in alternative sites. The test
results from the fingertip testing and AST may differ due to
factors such as lifestyle and ingested food which affect 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 blood glucose levels are unstable
• D uring the two (2) hours after a meal or exercise
• W hen sick or when glucose levels seem lower than test
value
• W hen hypoglycemia is not well recognised
• W hen insulin has the biggest effect
• T wo (2) hours after an insulin injection
32 www.i-sens.com
AST Precautions
• D o not ignore the symptoms of hyperglycemia or
hypoglycemia.
• W hen 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.
• D o not rely on the AST results for changing your treatment
method.
• T he amount of glucose in alternative sites differs from
person to person.
• B efore 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 sample if you
suffer from hypoglycemia or have experienced hypoglycemic
shock or symptoms.
Note:
If the sample drop of blood runs or spreads due to
contact with hair or with lines on your palm, do not use that
sample. Try puncturing again in a smoother area.
www.spirit-healthcare.co.uk 33
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