What are the different testing sites to check glucose on the body, and how does accuracy change depending on the site?
As a Certified Diabetes Care and education specialist (CDCES), I can tell you that there are several testing sites on the body to check glucose levels:
- Finger-prick test: This is the most common method for checking glucose levels. A small drop of blood is taken from the fingertip and placed on a glucose meter for measurement.
- Forearm test: This test is done by pricking the skin on the inside of the forearm and is less painful than a finger-prick test. However, this method is not as accurate as a finger-prick test.
- Alternate testing sites: Other alternative testing sites include the upper arm, thigh, and calf. These testing sites can be less painful than finger-prick testing, but they may not be as accurate.
Accuracy of glucose testing can vary depending on the testing site used. For example, results from a finger-prick test tend to be more accurate than results from a forearm test. This is because the fingers contain more blood vessels and are therefore a better indicator of glucose levels in the bloodstream. However, the accuracy of glucose testing can also be affected by factors such as hydration levels and recent physical activity.
