The A1C test (glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c) measures your average blood sugar levels over the preceding two to three months. Unlike a daily glucose check, which is a snapshot, the A1C provides a reliable long-term view of blood sugar control. This test works because glucose attaches to hemoglobin inside red blood cells, which have a lifespan of about 90 days. At-home testing is a practical option for individuals managing prediabetes or diabetes who want to monitor their progress between doctor visits.
Understanding At-Home A1C Testing Kits
At-home A1C testing kits are widely available at pharmacies and online retailers. These kits fall into two categories, both requiring a small finger-prick blood sample. The first type provides immediate results using a small electronic device. The second type is a mail-in kit that requires sending the sample to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Mail-in kits often offer more reliable results because the analysis occurs in a professional lab setting. Instant-result kits, while sometimes cleared by regulatory bodies, can be less consistent than lab-based methods. Home tests should be used for tracking trends and monitoring known conditions, not for the initial diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes. Always confirm initial results with a healthcare professional, as improper sample collection or kit storage can introduce variability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Home A1C Measurement
Proper preparation is necessary to ensure the best possible sample is collected for an accurate home A1C measurement. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with warm soap and water, then drying them completely; warm hands increase blood flow and minimize contamination risk. Next, gather all the kit components, which typically include a lancet, an alcohol wipe, and a blood collection card or tube, and find a clean, well-lit surface.
Prepare the lancing device and select a finger, typically the middle or ring finger of your non-dominant hand. Clean the side of the fingertip with the alcohol pad. Allow the alcohol to air dry completely before firmly pressing the lancet against the side of the fingertip and activating it to produce the blood drop.
You may need to gently squeeze your finger from the base toward the tip to encourage a large, hanging drop of blood to form. Carefully touch this drop to the designated collection area on the card or inside the tube without smearing the sample or touching your finger to the collection surface. If using a mail-in kit, ensure all specified circles on the collection card are filled. Following collection, the sample must be allowed to air dry for the time specified in the kit instructions, usually a few hours, before being sealed in the provided biohazard bag and mailed to the lab.
Interpreting Your A1C Results and Next Steps
A numerical A1C result is expressed as a percentage, which correlates to your average blood sugar level.
A1C Ranges
A result below 5.7% is considered within the normal range for non-diabetic adults. An A1C result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, suggesting blood sugar levels are higher than normal and increasing the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
A result of 6.5% or higher is the threshold used to diagnose diabetes. For diagnosed individuals, the target A1C goal is often 7.0% or less to minimize long-term complications. An elevated reading suggests that adjustments to lifestyle, diet, or medication may be needed to improve sugar management.
If your at-home A1C test returns a result in the prediabetic or diabetic range, or shows a significant change, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Do not use home test results to make changes to your medication regimen without consulting a medical professional. A medical team can confirm the result with a lab test and determine the appropriate steps for monitoring or treatment.