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When is it okay to use an alternate test site to get a blood sample?

Choosing the right sampling site at the right time

The OneTouch® UltraMini® Meter allows you to sample blood from your fingertip, forearm, or palm. Forearm and palm sampling is also referred to as “alternate site testing” (AST). At times, results obtained at the forearm or palm may be different from a fingertip measurement. Talk to your health care professional before you begin using your forearm or palm for sampling.

CAUTION:

Do not test on your forearm or palm when:

• You think your blood sugar is rapidly falling, such as within 2 hours of exercise or a rapid-acting insulin injection or insulin pump bolus. Testing with a fingertip sample may identify hypoglycemia or an insulin reaction sooner than testing with a forearm or palm sample.
• It has been less than 2 hours after a meal, a rapid-acting insulin injection or insulin pump bolus, physical exercise, or you think your blood sugar level is changing rapidly.
• You are concerned about the possibility of hypoglycemia or an insulin reaction, such as when driving a car. This is especially important if you suffer from hypoglycemia unawareness (lack of symptoms to indicate an insulin reaction).

Remember: Consult with your health care professional before using your forearm or palm for testing.

Choose a different puncture site each time you test. Repeated punctures in the same spot may cause soreness and calluses.

If bruising occurs at an alternate site or you have difficulty getting a sample, consider sampling from a fingertip instead. You may want to review the choice of sites with your health care professional.