[Moonpie]

I just use the used test strip to wipe up the excess blood. I rarely use alcohol wipes, & so far, touch wood, no infections . I test around my knees. Lots of big purple bruises, so I want it in an area that is not seen much.

[fgummett]

The only caution with alternate site testing is -- as posted on most meter web sites -- that they may lag behind if your BG is changing rapidly... the finger tips provide the most current BGs... and IIRC not all meters support alternate site testing. I've not seen the use of knees suggested on any meter web sites..?

[Granny Shanny]

Originally Posted by Bountyman

Besides, if I washed my hands at the sink I'd feel obligated to do my dishes... something I've found quite the apathetic chore since my divorce 20 years ago.

Aha! As Johnny Nash sez: I can see clearly now . . .

[Grunch]

What's wrong with licking the blood? I always lick it, don't see any problem.

[Bountyman]

Originally Posted by Grunch

What's wrong with licking the blood? I always lick it, don't see any problem.

There's nothing wrong with licking off the blood. Well, unless you think that licking an open wound with the most bacteria-ridden part of your body is "OK"!

[Grunch]

Animals evolved to lick their wounds. I think evolution knows what it's doing.

Considering I've done it over a thousand times and nothing ever happened, either I'm very lucky or you're very paranoid.

[Bountyman]

Paranoid? That's a rather harsh assumption considering you have no idea who I am!

[Grunch]

Who are you? .....

[networkguy]

Originally Posted by gary.keith

My endo told me to only use my fingers. No reason was given, just do it! She's also told me a few things that seem to be somewhat contradicted by the real-world experiences of DF members. I'm not sure what to do. I was always taught to obey my doctors. But if I did that, then based on what my PCP tells me, I'd weigh 170 pounds even though I'm 6'1" with a large frame. I haven't been 170 pounds since junior high school and at 215 my entire adult life (53 yo now) I'm not fat!



LOL

edit: nervermind

[fgummett]

Originally Posted by networkguy

edit: nervermind

Alternative Site Testing

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. Differences in blood glucose measurements between the other test sites and your finger many be observed after eating, insulin medication, or exercise. Because blood flow to the finger is three to five times faster than other alternative 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 alternative sites could delay your detection of hypoglycemia. Vigorous rubbing of the alternative test sites before lancing will help to minimize the difference between finger and other alternative site test results.

[networkguy]

Originally Posted by fgummett

The only caution with alternate site testing is -- as posted on most meter web sites -- that they may lag behind if your BG is changing rapidly... the finger tips provide the most current BGs... and IIRC not all meters support alternate site testing. I've not seen the use of knees suggested on any meter web sites..?

Every clinical study Ive read shows variations of less than 10% difference in rapid BG changes between the two. Not enough IMHO. If your BS are fairly steady, theres really no reason to use fingertips.

edit: heres one: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...f7affc91daf b

Methods

We evaluated the accuracy and reliability of the EasyPlus mini R2N blood glucose self-monitoring system and compare glucose measurements between the fingertip, thenar, hypothenar and forearm. Over a 1-month period, 165 patients with Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus participated in this study.

Conclusions

The EasyPlus mini R2N showed clinically acceptable accuracy and reliability as compared to the laboratory reference, and no significant or detectable glucose differences between alternate sites were observed.

[fgummett]

Originally Posted by networkguy

Every clinical study Ive read shows variations of less than 10% difference in rapid BG changes between the two. Not enough IMHO. If your BS are fairly steady, theres really no reason to use fingertips.

Can you please provide an example..? You may note that I suggested this as a "caution"... not as a reason against using alternate site testing... I agree with your rationale IF you have stable BGs. Although for myself I find fingertips easy, reliable and convenient and have no reason to explore alternates... but that is just me.

[fgummett]

Originally Posted by networkguy

Every clinical study Ive read shows variations of less than 10% difference in rapid BG changes between the two.

Perhaps it is in the full text of the study you provided (need a subscription to access that?) but all I see in the abstract is that: alternate site readings are comparable to fingertips... I am genuinely interested in reading a study which shows that there is a "less than 10% difference in rapid BG changes"... which seems to be your main argument against my caution.

[networkguy]

Originally Posted by fgummett

Can you please provide an example..? You may note that I suggested this as a "caution"... not as a reason against using alternate site testing... I agree with your rationale IF you have stable BGs. Although for myself I find fingertips easy, reliable and convenient and have no reason to explore alternates... but that is just me.

I edited my post above and gave one example. The thing to remember is (and we're talking averages) is the heart pumps about 5 liters/min at rest, and the average body has about 5 liters of blood, so blood will make a complete trip in about a minute.

[fgummett]

Originally Posted by networkguy

I edited my post above and gave one example. The thing to remember is (and we're talking averages) is the heart pumps about 5 liters/min at rest, and the average body has about 5 liters of blood, so blood will make a complete trip in about a minute.

Perhaps in the large vessels but what about the capillary system.. which is where we do our home BG testing. Put it this way... a large cut to a major vessel such as the femoral artery in the upper leg and yes we can bleed out in a matter of minutes but is the same true if you cut your hand?