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What if I observe a difference between arm and fingertip results greater than 20%?
When comparing results using a sample obtained from the arm and from a fingerstick you should be in a fasting or pre-meal state (to have had no food in the last 2-3 hours). If a large difference (more than 20%) between arm and fingertip is observed when testing is done at the appropriate times, you should use fingertip testing for all treatment decisions until the reason for the discrepancies can be identified and resolved. Verify the system is performing properly using control solution. The arm vs. finger test comparison should be tried again later to see if the same discrepancies occur. One single arm/finger comparison should not be used to judge the success/failure of arm testing. Under certain conditions, blood glucose test results obtained using samples from the arm may differ significantly from fingertip samples. The conditions in which these differences are most likely to occur are when blood glucose is changing rapidly such as during the two-hour period following a meal, insulin dose, or physical exercise. When blood glucose is falling, testing with a fingertip sample may identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) level sooner than a test with an arm sample.
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The health information on this Web site is for general background purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific conditions. Seek prompt medical attention for health care questions you have. Consult your physician before making changes to your medication, diet, fitness program or blood glucose testing schedules.