Testing in different places = different readings

[Finn]

I've read through several threads that said the results of a test will vary depending on where the blood comes from. Does anyone know why? What is so special about fingers, as opposed to my right arm? :tongue: Does it depend on the meter or is the gap between readings universal?

[seacomp]

To a certain extent, the difference is just a matter of calibration. Most meters are calibrated so that readings from the fingers give the best results.

[martinronquillo]

the difference in glucose reading from your fingertips vary from the readings done on your forearm for the simple reason that your fingertips, because of its smaller and most distal placement in the human anatomy, is one of the first sites where glucose is transmited and deposited to be converted into energy. hence a difference in 3 milligram per deciliter per minute vs alternate sites. Ask you CDE for more ino, even they will tell you to test on your fingertips as often as possible esp with lows.

capillary blood is the type of blood that most meters use to test.
take care hope this helps.

good times

[JediSkipdogg]

Martin hit it dead on. There is a delay in blood going to segments of the arms, but it is fully always going to the fingertips and recirculating back. Therefore when testing in the arm you will have a delayed reading of what your reading truely is. Try a test in both places sometime and see the difference. Eat some ice cream and then 30 minutes later do the test. Sometimes the numbers may amaze you.

[dws]

Don't forget you can use your palm (below your little finger) to test with, and give the fingers a rest. I've been doing it for several years and found no difference in results from the fingers.
don