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/ 5
Alternative Site Testing
/ 5.1
What is AST (Alternate Site Testing)?
Usually, we 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 precau-
tions should be observed during 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 minimize result differences between finger-
tip and alternate site sampling. Firmly press and hold the lancing
device against site. Wait until the skin surface under the lancing
device changes colour. Then press the release button while continu-
ing to apply pressure. Keep holding the lancing device against your
skin until sufficient (at least 0.4 μL) blood is drawn. Carefully lift the
lancing device away from your skin.
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/ 5.2
Things to Know When Using AST
Please read the following before testing at alternate sites (forearms
and palms).
The capillary whole blood of the fingertips reflects changes in glu-
cose levels more rapidly than in alternate sites. The test results from
the fingertip testing and AST may differ due to factors such as life-
style and ingested food which affect glucose levels.
Acceptable Situations for AST
When your blood glucose levels are stable:
•
Fasting period.
•
Before a meal.
•
Before going to bed.
Situations Requiring Fingertip Test
When your blood 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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