Quick Facts
- Sample: Dried blood spot collected by fingerstick onto filter paper card
- Fasting: Not required; test can be done any time of day
- Turn-around: Results typically available within 1-4 business days after lab receipt.
Benefits
- No clinic visit or phlebotomy appointment needed; test from home
- No fasting required, making scheduling simple and convenient
- Reflects your average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months
- Confidential mail-in testing with clinical-grade laboratory analysis
- Direct-access ordering without needing a physician visit first
- Dried blood samples remain stable at room temperature during shipping
- Avoid needle aversion to venous draws with simple fingerstick collection
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (overweight, family history, sedentary lifestyle)
- People with a history of gestational diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- Anyone wanting to monitor glycemic control between clinic visits
- Individuals with limited mobility or busy schedules needing convenient testing
- Those seeking early detection of prediabetes before symptoms develop
- People with diagnosed diabetes tracking long-term glucose management
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Collect: Perform a simple fingerstick using the provided lancet, place blood drops on the filter card, and let it dry completely at room temperature following kit instructions.
- Mail: Seal the dried card in the protective pouch, complete required paperwork, and mail the kit to ZRT's laboratory using the provided prepaid envelope.
- Review: Receive your HbA1c results within 1-4l business days.
FAQ
What is hemoglobin A1c and why does it matter? HbA1c measures the percentage of glucose attached to hemoglobin in your blood, reflecting your average blood sugar over approximately 2-3 months. This long-term marker helps identify prediabetes or diabetes risk and monitor glucose control better than single daily measurements (ADA 2024).
Do I need to fast before taking this test? No fasting is required for HbA1c testing. You can collect your sample at any time of day, which makes fitting the test into your routine easier and more convenient than glucose tolerance tests.
How reliable is a home HbA1c test? When collected properly and processed in a standardized laboratory using methods with low variation and NGSP traceability, home dried blood spot HbA1c testing provides accurate, clinically reliable results comparable to laboratory venous draws.
What do my results mean? HbA1c under 5.7% is generally normal, 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes. However, always discuss your specific results with your healthcare provider, as certain conditions can affect interpretation (ADA 2024).
How long after I mail my sample will I get results? Once your dried blood spot card arrives at the laboratory, HbA1c analysis typically takes 1-4 business days. Total time depends on mail delivery, but samples remain stable during transport at room temperature.
Is this test good for monitoring if I already have diabetes? Yes. People with diagnosed diabetes often have HbA1c checked 2-4 times per year depending on treatment stability. This home kit provides a convenient way to monitor control between clinic visits and share results with your provider.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Hemoglobin A1c test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with glucose, reflecting your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Because HbA1c captures long-term glucose trends rather than a single snapshot, it's the gold standard for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes and for monitoring how well blood sugar is controlled over time.
What biomarkers are measured in this test?
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - percentage of glycated hemoglobin in whole blood, reflecting average glucose exposure over approximately 2-3 months
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (overweight, family history, sedentary lifestyle, history of gestational diabetes, or metabolic syndrome) benefit from HbA1c screening. This test is also ideal for people with known prediabetes or diabetes who want convenient monitoring between office visits, or anyone seeking early detection to prevent disease progression.
When should I order this test?
Order this kit if you have diabetes risk factors but haven't been screened recently, if your clinician has recommended periodic HbA1c checks, or if you want to monitor how lifestyle or treatment changes are affecting your long-term glucose levels. Initial screening is especially important if you have a family history of diabetes or have experienced gestational diabetes.
How do I interpret the results?
- HbA1c under 5.7%: Normal glucose range
- HbA1c 5.7-6.4%: Prediabetes range
- HbA1c 6.5% or higher: Consistent with diabetes (usually confirmed with repeat testing)
For people with diagnosed diabetes, targets often aim for HbA1c below 7%, though individual goals vary based on age, other health conditions, and treatment considerations. Certain medical conditions (anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, recent transfusion) can affect HbA1c reliability, so always interpret results with a healthcare professional who knows your full medical history.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Continue taking your regular medications as directed; HbA1c reflects average control and isn't affected by a single dose. Ensure you're well-hydrated and warm your hands before the fingerstick to improve blood flow. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly, clean the selected fingertip with the provided alcohol swab, and let it air-dry completely before pricking. Follow all kit instructions carefully for sample collection and drying to ensure accurate results.
How often should I get tested?
Prediabetes:
- Retest every 6–12 months, depending on risk level and lifestyle changes
Diagnosed diabetes with stable control:
- HbA1c testing at least twice per year
Diabetes with therapy changes or unstable control:
- Testing 3–4 times per year
Newly diagnosed:
- Confirm diagnosis with repeat testing before starting treatment
Why early detection matters
During 2021-2023, approximately 15.8% of U.S. adults had diabetes, with 4.5% undiagnosed, highlighting the importance of accessible screening. Early detection of prediabetes through HbA1c testing allows you to make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes progression. Identifying diabetes early enables timely treatment, reducing risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss. Convenient home testing removes barriers to screening, helping millions identify elevated glucose risk before symptoms develop.
Related tests you may consider
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Blood Test, 3-Hour, 4 Specimens– Checks how your body handles sugar over three hours by taking four blood samples to help doctors find or manage diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes Blood Test – Identifies gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
Lipid Panel Blood Test – Measures the amount of good and bad cholesterol to assess risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Insulin Fasting Blood Test – Measures how much insulin is in your blood after not eating, helping doctors check for problems like diabetes and insulin resistance.
