USING CARESENS N TEST STRIPS FOR ALTERNATE SITE TESTING (AST)

The CareSens N test strips are for use with the CareSens N meter to quantitatively measure glucose in fresh capillary whole blood samples drawn from the fingertips and alternative sites such as the forearm, palm, thigh, and calf. If you intend to use CareSens N Test Strips for Alternate Site Testing (AST) we have a few tips for you to ensure you get accurate results with your CareSens N test strips.

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CareSens N Test Strips for Alternate Site Testing (AST)

According to CareSense N Owner’s Booklet, CareSens N test strips allow alternate site testing (AST) from the forearm, palm, thigh and calf. Before using AST, please consult your healthcare consultant.

Select a clean, soft and fleshy sample site area free of visible veins and hair and away from bones. Wash the area with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Gently massage the sample site with clean hands to help blood circulation to minimize result differences between fingertip and alternative site sampling. Firmly press and hold the lancing device against site. Wait until the skin surface under the lancing device changes color. Then press the release button while continuing to apply pressure. Keep holding the lancing device against your skin until sufficient (at least 0.5 μL, actual size) blood is drawn. Carefully lift the lancing device away from your skin.

Things to know when using CareSens N Test Strips for Alternate Site Testing (AST)

According to CareSense N Owner’s Booklet, the capillary whole blood of the fingertips shows changes in glucose levels more rapidly than in alternative sites. Therefore, the test results from the fingertip test and alternative sites may differ.

Acceptable situations for AST

Here are the acceptable situations when using CareSens N test strips for alternate site testing when your blood glucose levels are stable:

  • Fasting period
  • Before a meal
  • Before sleeping

AST Precautions

According to CareSense N Owner’s Booklet, here are important precautions to consider when using CareSens N test strips for Alternate Site Testing (AST):

  • Before using AST, please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Do not ignore the symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
  • When the results of the test do not reflect your opinion, retest using the fingertip test. If the fingertip result still does not reflect the way you feel, please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Do not rely on the AST results for changing your treatment method.
  • The amount of glucose in alternative sites differs from person to person.

Note: Results from alternative site and fingertip samples may differ from each other as there is a time lag for the glucose levels to reach the same value. Use a fingertip for testing if you suffer from hypoglycemia or have experienced hypoglycemic shock or symptoms

Checking your CareSens N test strips with CareSens Control solution will ensure your test strips are working properly and that you are getting accurate results with your CareSens N test strips. For precise instruction for Control Solution Testing visit CareSense N Owner’s Booklet.

* Content and information on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and does NOT constitute any medical professional advice.

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Disclaimer. The content, information, and links on this page are intended for informational and educational purposes only, and does NOT constitute any medical professional advice.

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