32Alternate Site TestingWhat is AST (Alternate Site Testing)?When someone tests their glucose, they usually take the bloodsample from the tip of the finger.However, since there are many nerve endings in the fingertip, itcan be quite painful. When doing a glucose test, using differentparts of the body, such as the forearms, palms, thighs and calves,can reduce the pain during testing.This method of testing with different parts of the body is calledAlternate Site Testing. While AST may reduce the pain duringtesting, it may not be simple for everyone and the followingprecautions should be observed during testing.Alternate Site Blood Sampling(forearm, palm, thigh, calf)Select a clean, soft and fleshy sample site area free of visibleveins and hair, and away from bones.Gently massage the sample site to help blood circulation tominimize result differences between fingertip and alternatesite sampling.Firmly press and hold the lancing device against site. Wait untilthe skin surface under the lancing device changes color. ThenAlternate Sites for Testing
