Alternative Site Testing?

[David76]

Does anyone test on their forearm or places other than the fingers and palm? If so, what's the secret to getting the forearm sample? I find I have to pinch the area and try to warm it up beforehand in order to get enough blood from the forearm. By the time I've gotten a successful sample (often after multiple tries), it's taken too long to make it worthwhile. I'm wondering if I'm testing on the wrong side. Do you test on the side with hair or the palm-up side? Any other suggestions?
Thanks a lot!
David

[Harold]

Know exactly what your talking about. The Lifescan or the one that comes with the Ultra has a clear cap for alternate sites. Don't know about other devices, but the clear cap makes it easier to see when you have enough to sample. After cleaning the forearm, hairy side, rub the area vigorously to bring blood to the surface. Pinching the area helps but too much increase other fluids and may throw off results. Make sure you lance is set for about the deepest setting. Found pushing the lance down several times helps as well.

[KrisinNM]

The instructions with the meters that allow you to test places other than your fingers or palm warn T1s NEVER to do it.

[nantomsuethom]

Thomas only uses his forearms. Before getting a vaculance he had trouble getting a sample but with the vaculance he has no trouble at all.

[Funnygrl]

I do it with my freestyle flash. I use 28g lancets and have no problems getting enough blood. It's a lot less painful for me, but you shouldn't do it if your bs may be changing rapidly or if you suspect you are low.

[David76]

Thanks all for your suggestions. The vaculance sounds interesting and getting 28 guage lancets should help (or else a jaccuzzi to work as an arm massage :) Anyway, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only who's experienced this sort of thing, and I appreciate all the new strategies I can try.
Thanks,
David