6 Best A1C At-Home Test Kits of 2023

• Best overall: LetsGetChecked Diabetes and Heart Test | Skip to review
• Best budget-friendly test: Everlywell HbA1c Home Test | Skip to review
• Best for detailed results: Verisana HbA1c Test | Skip to review
• Best for follow-up care: myLAB Box Hemoglobin A1c Screening Test | Skip to review
• Best for FDA approval: DTILaboratories A1c Test | Skip to review
• Best for quick results: PTS Diagnostics A1CNow SelfCheck Monitor | Skip to review

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, the ability to regularly monitor your A1C blood sugar level is important for managing your condition, and for maintaining optimum health. A1C monitoring can also be used to diagnose these conditions, which can be life-saving.

Using an A1C at-home test eliminates the need to go to a doctor’s office or lab for testing. But choosing a test you can trust is essential.

We reviewed a wide variety of A1C at-home tests. These five meet our criteria for accurate results, ease of use, and privacy protection. Due to state laws and restrictions, not every test is available in every state.

Staying on top of your health is important. Read on for our recommendations, and to learn more about what you should consider when choosing an at-home A1C test.

To select the best HbA1c test kits, we considered the following factors:

• cost
• ease of website use and accessibility
• follow-up support offered
• accreditations and certifications, such as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP)

We reviewed the type of testing offered and whether testing was done at home or by going to a lab. The variety of these test kits allows for options for every person’s unique needs.

Your comfort level with at-home testing is an important factor to consider. A1C at-home tests are finger-prick blood tests. If you have diabetes, you’re probably very familiar with this technology but may not want to take another reading at home.

To take these tests effectively, you’ll have to read and comprehend the test instructions and your results. Not every test provides the same level of technological or medical support. Make sure to choose a test with clear instructions and guidance.

A1C tests are relatively affordable but they aren’t covered by insurance. When considering the cost of in-person versus at-home testing, be sure to also calculate the travel required to and from your doctor’s office.

Not all at-home tests provide the same level of accuracy or ease of use. Only buy your test from a reputable retailer. Don’t buy a used test or one from a resale site or seller you don’t know or trust.

Are A1C home tests accurate?

A1C testing at home can be as accurate as in-person laboratory testing. However, it’s important to follow the test instructions exactly, in order to get accurate results. An at-home reading should never be used to diagnose diabetes.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, some things can skew results. This can include natural fluctuations in your blood glucose level, which can happen when you eat or exercise and if you’re sick or stressed. These kinds of short-term changes to your blood glucose level are more likely to affect the results of an A1C test.

Certain health conditions, including sickle cell anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, liver disease, and kidney failure can also affect the accuracy of A1C results.

In addition, people of African, South and Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean descent may be more likely to have hemoglobin variants that affect the results of this test.

Keep in mind that it’s possible to have a false A1C reading.

Certain conditions, such as hemolytic anemia or an enlarged spleen, can cause a false low reading. Other factors, such as older age or obesity, can elevate A1C levels too, even if you don’t have diabetes.

Your A1C, or HbA1c as it’s sometimes referred to, is a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over a 2–3 month period. Average A1C levels increase as people age, but no matter your age, a normal A1C is under 5.7%.

A1C ranges:

• normal: below 5.7%
• prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%
• diabetes: 6.5% or more

A1C readings don’t replace the need for daily or several-a-day blood sugar readings.

While your blood glucose readings can fluctuate throughout the day, your A1C is an average of these readings. The higher the level, the higher the risk of diabetes complications.

Your A1C can fluctuate with:

• lifestyle changes
• certain medications
• hormonal changes

Because of this, it’s important to make sure you’re checking your levels at least twice per year if you have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Your doctor may also recommend checking your A1C more often.

It’s important to use your A1C as part of your diabetes monitoring, but it doesn’t replace daily blood sugar checks.

There are instances when your A1C might not be accurate. Always make sure you’re informing your doctor of your results and any symptoms you may be having.