13
Testing
www.bayerdiabetes.com/us
Blood samples for glucose
testing may be taken from sites
other than your fi ngertips. Read
the instructions with your lanc-
ing device.
Alternative site testing using
blood from the forearm or palm
may give glucose results that
signifi cantly differ from fi ngertip
blood. Differences occur when
blood glucose levels are chang-
ing rapidly, such as after a meal,
after insulin, during or after
exercise.
We recommend the following:
1. Consult your healthcare professional to determine if alternative
site testing is right for you.
2. Use a fi ngertip 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, fl eshy 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
Alternative Site Testing
Alternative Site Testing
Forearm
Palm