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Alternative Site Testing:
Blood Glucose Testing on Fingertip, Palm, Forearm and Thigh
Alternative Site Testing or (AST): testing of blood glucose on parts of the body other than the fingertip: most commonly the forearm, palm or thigh.
Alternative Site Testing may be a comfort to many people with diabetes. However, alternative test sites are not all the same. With all meters, routine testing on an unrubbed forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf gives a test result that is 20 to 30 minutes old, this is a delayed test site. Your fingertips and your hands palm stores the most recent recall of your blood glucose levels. These sites tell you what your levels are at the moment.
Alternative sites will tell you what your blood glucose levels were 20-35 minutes ago. The difference can be critical if your blood glucose is descending fast. A forearm test may tell you the level is fine because this is a delayed test site, while the fingertip test accurately alerts you to a low number. For this reason, delayed test sites cannot replace the fingertip or palm ultimately for anyone.
Many blood glucose testing monitors give testers the option to test their blood glucose using alternative testing sites. But, delayed test sites like the forearm or thigh are only accurate and reliable when blood glucose levels are relatively stable, such as fasting blood glucose.
Alternative Site Testing is not recommended for people with hypoglycemia unawareness.
- Do not use Alternative Site Testing when you have just taken insulin
- During or following exercise.
- When you are feeling ill
- Before you are planning to drive
Consult your physician before deciding on an alternative test site. It is recommended that you test on your fingertips or palm for the most accurate blood glucose reading.