Alternative Site Testing

Unusual Test Results

If your blood glucose result doesn’t match the way you feel, follow these steps:

1.run a control test (see page 20);

2.retest your blood glucose (see page 10);

3.call your doctor immediately if your result still does not agree with the way you feel.

Blood samples for glucose testing may be taken from sites other than your fingertips. Alternative site testing using blood from the forearm or palm may give glucose results that signifi- cantly differ from fingertip blood. Differences occur when blood glucose levels are changing rapidly, such as after a meal, after insulin and with exercise.

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.

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 professional if you have low blood glucose levels.

4.Select a soft, fleshy area of skin that is free from hair 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