Alternate Site Testing

Some blood glucose meters allow you to use blood samples from other parts of the body, such as the palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf. Testing from alternate sites is not always ideal. Blood from your fingertip shows changes in blood sugar quickly, but blood from alternate sites may not, and you may not get the most accurate result.¹ Always consult with your healthcare professional before using sites other than your fingertip for blood sugar testing.

Alternate site testing, or AST, may be recommended when blood sugar is stable, such as immediately before a meal or before bedtime. AST is not recommended when blood sugar is changing quickly, such as immediately after a meal or after physical activity.

Never ignore symptoms of low or high blood sugar. If your blood sugar test result does not match the way you feel, perform a fingertip test to confirm the result.

HbA1C

The HbA1c test (also known as A1c or glycated hemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar levels over a period of time by taking a sample of a specific component of your red blood cells—hemoglobin A1C molecules.

Some blood sugar naturally attaches itself to these A1C molecules as the molecules move through your bloodstream. When this happens, the molecule is considered "glycated." The more sugar in your blood, the more glycated A1C molecules you will have.¹

The A1C test is not a substitute for frequent self-monitoring. It shows the average amount of blood sugar in the body over the last 3–4 months. Frequent highs and lows can result in a healthy-looking A1C result. Only self-monitoring can show how meals, physical activity, medications and stress affect your blood sugar over short periods of time. This provides more reference as you manage your diabetes.

Most experts recommend an HbA1c test every 3 months. Your healthcare professional will help you schedule HbA1c tests and decide what testing schedule is right for you.