Alternate Site Testing - i-SENS CareSens N Owner's Booklet

Alternate Site Testing

What is AST (Alternate Site Testing)?
Usually, when someone tests their glucose, they take the blood
sample from the tip of the finger. However, since there are
many nerve endings in the fingertip, it can be quite painful.
When doing a glucose test, using different parts of the body
such as the forearms and palms can reduce the pain during
testing. This method of testing with different parts of the body
is called Alternate Site Testing.
While AST may reduce the pain during testing, it may not be
simple for everyone and the following precautions should be
observed during testing.
Alternate Sites for Testing
Alternate Site Blood Sampling (forearm and palm)
Select a clean, soft and fleshy sample site area free of visible
veins and hair and away from bones. Gently massage the
sample site to help blood circulation to minimise result
differences between fingertip and alternate site sampling.
Firmly press and hold the lancing device against site. Wait
until the skin surface under the lancing device changes color.
Then press the release button while continuing to apply
pressure. Keep holding the lancing device against your skin
until sufficient (at least 0.5 μL, actual size: ) blood is drawn.
Carefully lift the lancing device away from your skin.
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Things to Know When Using AST
Please read the following before testing at alternate sites
(forearms and palms).
The capillary whole blood at the fingertips reflects changes in
glucose levels more rapidly than in alternate 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 Situation 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 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 recognised
• When insulin has the biggest effect
• During two (2) hours after an insulin injection
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