Alternate Site Testing

Alternate Site Testing

Alternate Site Testing (AST) has becoming more popular over the past few years. What exactly is AST do you ask? Simple. It is a method of testing your blood sugar without having to prick your finger. You are able to use your lancing device on several other areas, such as your forearm, upper arm, thigh, or your thumb. This gives you a break from using your fingers all the time and potentially bruising them.

There are some instances that you should still continue to use your finger. For instance, according to the FDA, when you think that your blood sugar is low you should use the blood sample from your finger.

Some lancing devices that allow alternate site testing are the Accu-Chek MultiClix, Advocate, Freestyle, and the Ulti-Lance.