7. Once the monitor and test strips
are ready and the area of skin has
been cleaned, place the lancing
device on a finger tip (preferably at
the side) and press the trigger
button.
Draw a drop of blood by gently
massaging the area. Make sure
that the blood droplet does not
smudge and perform the test as
described in 5.3.1 Performing a
blood glucose test (p. 24).
5.2.3 Using the AST cap
It is generally recommended that a
blood sample for a blood glucose test
performed at home is taken from the
finger tip. If you are not able to take a
blood sample from your finger tip, you
can also take one from another part of
the body (AST), such as the ball of the
hand, lower arm, upper arm, thigh or
calf using the lancing device.
In this case, exchange the protective
cap on the lancing device with the AST
cap. After inserting the lancet, put the
transparent AST cap on the lancing
device instead of the protective cap
and tighten.
Note that the AST cap is not intended
to be used for a blood sample from the
finger tip.
5 Operating
WARNING
In the case of low glucose
(hypoglycemia), the blood
sample must be drawn from
the finger tip, as any changes
in the blood glucose level are
quicker to detect from a blood
sample from the finger than
from any other part of the
body.
The readings from a finger tip
blood sample and from another
part of the body can lead to
the readings which radically
differ from one another.
Therefore, always consult your
doctor before you perform a
blood glucose test using a
blood sample from another
part of the body.
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