How You Can Test Your HbA1c Levels At Home?
Written by: Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a key indicator of your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It helps monitor diabetes and prediabetes, giving you a clear picture of your long-term blood sugar control. [1}
If you're concerned about your blood sugar levels and thinking about taking an HbA1c test, you might be wondering if you can do it at home instead of going to a lab. The good news is that home testing is possible and can be a convenient way to track your health.
What Is HbA1c and Why Is It Important?
HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, forms when sugar attaches to red blood cells. [2] Since these cells live for about two to three months, an HbA1c test reflects your average blood sugar over time, not just a single day's reading. [2]
Healthcare providers use this test to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, as well as monitor how well diabetes is being managed. [2] A higher HbA1c level means higher blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems. [2]
Here's how HbA1c levels are typically classified [2]:
- Below 5.7% – Normal
- 5.7% - 6.4% – Prediabetes (higher risk of developing diabetes)
- 6.5% or higher – Diabetes
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, healthcare providers usually recommend testing your HbA1c levels every three to six months to track progress. [3]
Ways to Test Your HbA1c Levels at Home
You can test your HbA1c levels at home using FDA-approved home test kits. These kits provide a convenient way to monitor your long-term blood sugar levels without visiting a lab. They typically require a small blood sample from a finger prick, and depending on the type of kit, you may get instant results or need to send the sample to a lab for analysis.
While at-home testing offers privacy and convenience, it may not always be as accurate as lab tests. Factors like improper sample collection or expired test strips can affect results. That's why home testing should complement, not replace, professional medical checkups, especially if you're managing diabetes or prediabetes.
Types of At-Home HbA1c Tests
There are two main types of at-home HbA1c test kits; instant instant result test kits and mail-in test kits. [4] Both options are designed to make monitoring your blood sugar levels more accessible, but they work in different ways.
Instant Result Test Kits
These kits provide results within minutes and usually include a small testing device. The process involves pricking your finger to collect a drop of blood, placing it on a test strip, and inserting it into the device. The screen will then display your HbA1c reading.
Pros:
- Fast results (usually within 5–10 minutes)
- No need to send samples to a lab
- Convenient for frequent monitoring
Cons:
- May not be as accurate as lab tests
- Requires proper handling to ensure correct results
Mail in Test Kits
With this option, you collect a small blood sample using a finger-prick device, place it on a special collection card, and mail it to a lab. The lab analyzes your sample and provides results online, via email, or by phone within a few days.
Pros:
- More accurate since it's analyzed in a lab
- No need for a home testing device
- Useful for those who prefer lab-quality results without visiting a clinic
Cons:
- Waiting time (typically a few days)
- Requires proper sample collection and mailing
Both types of tests can be useful, depending on your needs. If you want immediate feedback, an instant test kit might be best. If you prefer higher accuracy, a mail-in test kit could be the better choice.
How to Test Hba1c at Home
Using an at-home HbA1c test kit is straightforward, but following the instructions carefully is essential to ensure accurate results. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Read the instructions carefully: each test kit may have slight variations, so go through the provided manual to understand the process before starting. 2. Wash your hands and prepare the kit: clean hands reduce the risk of contamination. Some kits may include an alcohol wipe to clean your fingertip before pricking. 3. Collect the blood sample: start by using the provided lancet to prick your fingertip. Gently squeeze your finger until a drop of blood appears. If you're using an instant test kit, place the blood drop onto the test strip and insert it into the meter for an immediate reading. If you're using a mail-in test kit, dab the blood onto the collection card, let it dry, and then seal it in the provided container for mailing. 4. Wait for the results or send the sample: if you're using an instant kit, your HbA1c level will be displayed within minutes. For mail-in kits, send the sample to the lab and expect your results in a few days via email, phone, or an online portal. __5. Interpret the results. 6. Compare your reading with the standard HbA1c ranges:__
- Below 5.7% – Normal
- 5.7% - 6.4% – Prediabetes
- 6.5% or higher – Diabetes
If your HbA1c level is higher than expected, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing your blood sugar. Regular testing, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, may help improve your long-term health.
Accuracy of At-Home HbA1c Tests
At-home HbA1c test kits offer a convenient way to monitor long-term blood sugar levels, but they may not always match the accuracy of lab tests. While many are FDA-approved and designed for reliability, results can vary due to factors like improper sample collection, device calibration, or storage conditions.
A 2022 study found that commercially available home-use HbA1c tests do not meet the accuracy standards set by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP). [5] Mail-in test kits, which are analyzed in certified labs, tend to be more reliable than instant kits. However, errors can still occur if the blood sample isn't collected properly, the test strips are expired, or the device isn't calibrated correctly.
To improve accuracy, always follow the instructions carefully, use FDA-approved kits, and store them properly. If your results seem unusual, confirm them with a lab test and consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Benefits and Limitations of At-Home Testing
At-home HbA1c testing is a convenient way to monitor long-term blood sugar levels, but it has its pros and cons. While it can help with diabetes management, it shouldn't replace professional lab tests entirely.
Benefits of At-Home Testing
- No need for lab appointments or waiting in long lines.
- You can test in the comfort of your home.
- They are ideal for people managing diabetes or prediabetes.
- Some test kits provide immediate readings, while mail-in tests offer lab-quality results without a hospital visit.
Limitations of At-Home Testing
- Instant test kits may not always be as precise as lab tests due to user errors, test strip quality, or device calibration issues.
- Without the guidance of a healthcare provider, there's a risk of misinterpreting results or missing other health issues.
- HbA1c tests only measure average blood sugar over time and don't assess other important factors like fasting glucose or cholesterol.
- Some test kits provide immediate readings, while mail-in tests offer lab-quality results without a hospital visit.
When to See a Doctor
Home testing is useful, but certain situations require professional medical advice. You should see a doctor if:
- Your HbA1c reading is 6.5% or higher (possible diabetes diagnosis).
- Your levels fluctuate significantly between tests.
- You have symptoms of high blood sugar.
- You have prediabetes and need guidance on preventing diabetes.
- You need a more detailed assessment, including other blood tests, for a full health checkup.
Take Control of Your Blood Sugar With Everlywell
Monitoring your HbA1c levels at home can be a convenient and effective way to stay on top of your long-term blood sugar health. Whether you prefer instant results or a more precise mail-in test, at-home testing allows you to track changes and take proactive steps toward better management. If you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-use home HbA1c test, Everlywell offers a mail-in kit that provides lab-verified results from the comfort of your home. Their test is simple to use, backed by certified labs, and delivers your results securely online. Take control of your blood sugar monitoring today with an HbA1c test from Everlywell.
References
- Eyth E, Naik R. Hemoglobin A1C. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2025-. Updated March 13, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549816/
- Hemoglobin A1C (HBA1C) test. MedlinePlus. Accessed February 13, 2025. Medical Citation URL. Diabetes & Prediabetes Tests. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published December 13, 2024. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-a1c-hba1c-test/
- Singh A. HBA1C meters - HBA1C test kits. Diabetes. Published October 29, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-management/diabetes/diabetes-prediabetes
- Jacobsen LM, Bocchino LE, Lum JW, et al. Accuracy of three commercial Home-Use Hemoglobin A1C tests. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2022;24(11):789-796. doi:10.1089/dia.2022.0187 Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-meters/
- Jacobsen LM, Bocchino LE, Lum JW, et al. Accuracy of three commercial Home-Use Hemoglobin A1C tests. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2022;24(11):789-796. doi:10.1089/dia.2022.0187 Accessed February 13, 2025.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763337/