Painless Testing for Diabetes
Painless testing, otherwise known as alternative-site testing, refers to blood glucose testing without pricking finger, and doing your diabetes testing on other parts of the body. These alternate sites include: forearms, upper-arms, thighs, base of the thumb, stomach areas, and more. Because there are less nerve endings in these areas, pain is greatly reduced. Not all alternate-site testing meters have been FDA approved for all areas mentioned. Compare blood glucose meters and refer to the meter's operating instructions for details on which areas can be used for painless diabetes testing.
The term "multi-site testing" can also be used to refer to a meter which is capable of both alternate-site and finger-stick testing.
Compare Blood Glucose Meters
Meters currently allowing alternate-site testing:
- Freestyle by TheraSense
- One Touch Ultra by LifeScan
- One Touch FastTake by Lifescan
- Glucometer/Ascensia Elite, Elite XL and DEX by Bayer
- AccuChek Compact and Active by Roche
Studies have shown that readings will vary when testing on other areas of the body. This is partially due to the circulation of the blood. The fingertips will provide a more accurate reading when glucose levels are rapidly changing. This is important to understand when you are determining your insulin injections or watching for hypoglycemia.
So why use painless testing for diabetes? Fingertips have a high number of nerve endings compared to the alternate sites, so this can reduce the pain of testing. If you use your fingertips for typing, musical instruments or other tasks you may find some additional relief.
Some things to consider:
- the amount of body hair in the allowed testing areas can interfere with the test by causing blood to smear
- do you have easy access to the areas you can test on - or do you wear stockings, long pants, long sleeves, etc.
- do you bleed easily and could this be a concern for the clothing covering those areas
While completely painless testing for diabetes may not be possible - alternative site blood glucose testing (without pricking finger) - pain is greatly reduced. Although there are advantages there are also some disadvantages to alternate-site testing. It is important to review and compare blood glucose meters.
Review when the manufacturers recommend when not to test on alternate sites.
Painless/Alternate-Site Testing | Cartridge-Based Testing
Glucowatch | The Lasette Plus
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