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Can Diabetes A1c Test Be Done at Home?

Diabetics used to have to visit their doctor's office -- and possibly a separate laboratory -- in order to have their A1c tested at the recommended three-month intervals. Now, the test can be completed with an at-home kit.

  1. Availability

    • At-home A1c testing kits can be purchased from all major online and offline drugstores. Look in the pharmacy aisle.

    Accuracy

    • Every laboratory's "normal" range can vary slightly from the set standards, due to the different methods by which they calculator the A1c. Be sure you're aware of how your at-home kit's range compares to the A1c range you are accustomed to using. The National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program is working to create cross-laboratory standards for A1c results.

    Cost

    • As of 2009, at-home kits containing two separate tests cost approximately $30.

    How It Works

    • An A1c test requires a small blood sample, similar to that required for a blood glucose test. Some at-home kits require that you mail your sample to a lab, while others reveal your result in as little as five minutes.

    Frequency

    • The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics have their A1c tested every three months. Diabetics with histories of A1c results within the normal range can extend their frequency to once every six months in consultation with their doctor.

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