How to Use an A1C Home Test Kit
A1C home test kits are easy to use. You can do the tests at home or you can help your child or a friend without any professional help.
The things You Need
Soap and water (or an alcohol prep pad if you don’t have access to a sink) and a notepad or your mobile phone to document tests.
You can do the test at any time of day, and you don’t need to stick to a particular diet or fast beforehand. You must finish the test within 15 minutes if you want to get an accurate result.
There are different A1C testing kits, but the same rules to get accurate results to exist for most of them.
- Bring out all of your testing tools.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them well, or clean them with an alcohol prep pad and allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Open the lancet and press it into the tip of your finger along the side (pricking the pad can hurt more).
- Squeeze out a small drop of blood.
- Hold the blood collector up to the drop of blood and allow it to fill the tip (see manufacturer’s instructions to determine what is adequate).
- Fully put the blood collector into the body of the shaker, then shake it meticulously six to eight times (approximately 5 seconds) to mix the blood with the testing solution.
- Open the testing cartridge and put it into the A1C analyzer. Remove the base of the shaker and press it into the analyzer where indicated to dispense the solution, then remove it. Wait 5 minutes for your results; try not to touch the device during this time.
- Log your result and the date.
- Throw the test cartridge away.
- Save the analyzer device for future testing.
In some cases, the kit will give you a reading of your A1C number in five minutes. You must follow the mailing instructions in the kit, especially if you need to send your smallest to a lab.
Your doctor may advise you to do the A1C test together with a glucometer test. The A1C test requires a sample of blood that is a bit more than the quantity used for a glucose meter. Keep your device and testing supplies at a stable temperature, away from extreme heat or cold.
A hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer is used to understand the hemoglobin A1C level and monitor appropriate steps.
According to the National Institutes of Health, standard A1C reference ranges are:
- Normal (no diabetes): Below 5.7%
- Borderline/prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes [3]: 6.5% or above
You cannot use Home A1C tests to diagnose diabetes. They can only be used for controlling prediabetes or diabetes after you’ve been diagnosed. If you’re at-home A1C test gives you a result at 5.7% or higher, make an urgent appointment with your doctor.
Having an A1C between 5.7% and 6.4% means you might have prediabetes that is you have a high risk of developing diabetes.
Ask your doctor about blood sugar management tips, how to control your glucose levels, and lifestyle changes that can help you actively prevent diabetes. Such as, changing your diet, exercising, getting better sleep, and relieving stress.
A level above 7% or higher is generally considered a sign of Diabetes. In Some cases, your doctor might set a different level depending on what your A1C has been in the past. Your results should always be reviewed with your doctor, so they can use the results to determine any progress.