What Do I Need to Know About Forearm
Testing?
Testing on sites other than the fingertip is referred to as
alternative site testing (AST). Before performing an alter-
native site test, refer to your test strip insert or owner’s
booklet to determine if forearm testing is supported by
your blood glucose monitoring system. It is important to
note that there is a delay, or lag time, in the delivery of
blood glucose to alternative sites when compared to fin-
gertips. Therefore, there is a potential for a significant dif-
ference between fingertip and AST results. The length of
delay, or lag time, is strongly impacted by lifestyle, foods
eaten, or any other event having impact on blood glucose
levels. We strongly recommend that people considering
AST understand the following:
• AST is not recommended during periods of rapid
decreases or increases in blood glucose levels.
• AST is not recommended for people with a history of
recurrent hypoglycemia, who suspect that their blood
glucose is extremely low, or who are unaware of
hypoglycemic events.
• Studies show that AST results immediately before a meal
and near bedtime are more similar to fingertip results.
• Never ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high
blood glucose.
If the AST reading does not match how you feel, perform a
fingertip test to confirm your results. If your blood glucose
still does not reflect the way you feel, contact your doctor. Do
not change your treatment decisions based only on a single
result. For more information on AST please contact 1-800-
858-8072. Please consult your physician if you are consider-
ing using sites other than fingers for obtaining a sample of
blood for testing. Please refer to your test strip insert or
owner’s booklet to determine if your blood glucose monitor-
ing system is appropriate for AST.
Wash the alternative site with warm water.
Make sure you are using the clear cap specially designed
for alternative site testing with the ACCU-CHEK Softclix
lancet device.
Adjust the clear cap to the highest setting.
Press and hold the lancet device against a fleshy area on
the alternative site. Press the release button and continue
to apply steady pressure to the site.
Don’t be afraid to apply a lot of pressure to the area with
the lancet device to get a good blood drop.
Cleaning and Disinfecting the
ACCU-CHEK Softclix Device
To clean the ACCU-CHEK Softclix device, use a mild dish-
washing liquid and a soft cloth. DO NOT place the entire
device under water. Do not use bleach. At least once a week,
disinfect the cap after cleaning by placing it in 70% alcohol
(isopropyl) for 10 minutes. Allow the cap to air-dry after
disinfecting.
ACCU-CHEK Softclix Lancets
Only ACCU-CHEK Softclix brand lancets should be used with the
ACCU-CHEK Softclix device.
The ACCU-CHEK Softclix lancets are manufactured so that accurate
penetration is assured when a new depth is selected.
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