Alternative Site Testing
Blood samples for glucose testing may be taken from sites other than your fingertips. Read the instructions with your lanc- ing device.
Alternative site testing using |
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blood from the forearm or palm | Palm |
may give glucose results that |
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significantly differ from fingertip |
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blood. Differences occur when |
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blood glucose levels are chang- |
|
ing rapidly, such as after a meal, |
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after insulin, during or after |
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exercise. |
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Forearm
We recommend the following:
1.Consult your healthcare professional to determine if alternative site testing is right for you.
2.Use a fingertip sample for testing blood glucose whenever you will be participating in risky activities, such as before driving
a car or operating machinery. Fingertip testing should also be used during illness, times of stress or when test results do not agree with the way you feel.
3.Alternative site testing is not recommended if you have hypoglycemic unawareness (you do not recognize the symptoms of or cannot tell when you have low blood glucose). Please consult with your healthcare profes- sional if you have low blood glucose levels.
4.Select a soft, fleshy area of skin that is free from hair, moles and visible veins for alternative site testing. Wash the site with soap and warm water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
5.Use alternative site testing for blood glucose tests only when
it is more than 2 hours after: |
| |
• a meal | • taking medication | • exercise |
www.bayerdiabetes.com/us
Alternative Site Testing Testing
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