AST in the Marketplace

• At the end of 2001, 27% of all meters sold in the United States had the capability of off-finger testing (IMS Retail Perspective, 2000-2001).
  
  
• One in ten patients test on alternative sites. Of these, 42% say it is less painful and 41% say "about the same." Just over half of this group are completely/very satisfied with alternative site testing (Roper ASW Survey, August 2001).

"AdvaMed strongly believes that the use of alternate site testing technology provides important patient benefits and is safe and effective when used with the manufacturer's instructions and precautions." - Consensus statement from the AdvaMed (Advanced Medical Technology Association) Blood Glucose Monitor Manufacturers Working Group, presented before the Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Toxicology Devices F.D.A. Panel Meeting on Alternate Site Testing, October 29, 2001.

Consumer Interest
A recent poll we conducted confirms the importance of alternate site testing for the consumer. In the poll, 47% of readers indicated that alternate site testing was very important, and another 21% said it was somewhat important.