Virtually Painfree Testing Alternate Testing Sites Why is Alternate Site Testing Less Painful? When is Testing on the Finger Preferred? How Do I Perform Alternate Test Site Testing? Virtually Painfree Testing - When is Testing on the Finger Preferred? It is important to note that when your glucose is changing rapidly, there may be a difference in the glucose readings between your finger and other test sites, like the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf, and other areas of the hand. Because blood flow to the finger is three to five times faster than other alternate sites, blood samples from the finger may show changes in your glucose sooner than the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf, and other parts of the hand. The possible difference in glucose readings between the finger and other alternate sites could delay your detection of hypoglycemia. Vigorous rubbing of the alternate test sites before lancing will help to minimize the difference between finger and other alternate site test results. Testing On The Finger Is Recommended: If you think your blood glucose is low (hypoglycemia). Blood glucose that is too low must be treated right away. If you have symptoms such as weakness, sweating, nervousness, headache, or confusion, follow your doctor's recommendation for treating hypoglycemia. If you have a history of hypoglycemia unawareness (no symptoms when your blood glucose is low). How Would I Know If I Have Hypoglycemia Unawareness? Have you often obtained blood glucose readings below 55 mg/dL without any of the usual symptoms of hypoglycemia (sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, extreme hunger)? Have you had episodes of impaired thinking? Have others observed you in situations where you appeared pale, tired, confused or acting as if you were in "slow motion"? Have you acted irritable or forgetful, even though you physically felt fine? Have you had difficulty managing a hypoglycemic episode, which required the assistance of others? Have you ever had a seizure or loss of consciousness without any warning signs? Do you try to maintain very tightly controlled blood sugars (often running below 90 mg/dl)? Have you had frequent episodes of hypoglycemia? Have you had diabetes over 20 years? Have you had a recent episode of severe hypoglycemia? If you answer yes to any of these questions, please discuss this situation with your physician.