How to Use a ReliOn A1C Test

If you have diabetes, it is likely that your doctor orders an A1C blood test several times a year. The test measures how well you have been controlling your blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. Results of the test help your doctor evaluate how effectively diet, medications, insulin or any other prescribed interventions are working in your particular case. You can perform your own A1C testing, however, using an over-the-counter A1C test from ReliOn. Understanding how to use the test increases the likelihood that you will get a reliable result.

Things You'll Need

• Pen or pencil
• ReliOn A1C test
• ReliOn A1C postage-paid return envelope
• Alcohol swabs
• Gauze pad
• Lancet
• Adhesive bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill out the Hemoglobin A1C Test Authorization Form located in the ReliOn Hemoglobin A1C test kit box. It is important that you provide all required information.

• 2

  Wash and dry your hands. Prepare the fingertip you will use as your puncture site by wiping it thoroughly with an alcohol swab. Let the area air dry or wipe it dry with a gauze pad.

• 3

  Dangle the hand from which you plan to test at your side for approximately 20 seconds. This stimulates blood flow to your fingers. You can also shake your hand using a back-and-forth motion at this time. Be careful not to contaminate the newly cleaned puncture site during this process.

• 4

  Place the lancet included in the A1C kit against your fingertip, and press the lancet button. You will feel a slight prick similar to when you check your blood sugar levels using your glucometer.

• 5

  Remove the first drop of blood that appears at the puncture site with an alcohol swab. Blood should begin to flow from the puncture site.

• 6

  Place one large drop of blood on each of the two circles located on the ReliOn A1C test kit collection form, taking care to make sure that you center each drop within the circles. Re-swab the site with alcohol to induce additional blood flow if necessary.

• 7

  Tear off the top of the form containing your specimen number. You will need this number later to get your results. Allow the blood on the form to dry completely. Fold the form, place it in the ReliOn postage paid return envelope, and mail it.

• 8

  Wait for your results. Your results may be available online in as few as three days after the company receives your samples. Or you will receive your results in the mail if you indicated that preferences on the authorization form.

• 9

  Interpret your results. You can do this by comparing your hemoglobin A1C numbers to those described in the ReliOn Hemoglobin A1C testing kit.