Home HbA1C Test Accuracy

[bac4uw]

I know I read somewhere in these forums about the Choice DM Home HbA1C testing kit... but can't seem to find where! Anyhow, I ordered a test kit from costco.com - received it yesterday - and took the test last night. The result came back about where I might have expected it to - 4.9 - compared to previous results I've had through my doctor. However, the thing brought back painful memories of my chemistry lab classes and it seems like there is a lot of opportunity to mess up this test.

I am wondering if anyone else has used one of these test kits at home and what their experience was with its accuracy (compared to having it done in a doctor's office) and what they thought about its complexity to use.

Thanks for your time! -Bryan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am:
27 years old
a type I diabetic - 5.5 years
a Humulog pen and Lantus user

[bac4uw]

To anyone who is thinking of using the home HbA1C test (but hasn't yet), it is handy to have your own finger poker nearby. The one they supplied with the kit didn't quite do it for me and I spent entirely too much time squeezing the bejesus out of my finger!

[Cinnabon]

Well I bought one this weekend (sale) but I didnt look at thwe expiration date!!! :banghead:
I got a BIG FAT ERROR and then noticed.... They sent me a coupon to get a new one and advised me go scold CVS for selling expired tests!!!! HA! :hmpf:

[Funnygrl]

I got a 5.0 on the home test and a 5.8 on the lab. So I tend to think that is a big difference.

[lgvincent]

I've been sold expired strips AND expired insulin from pharmacies around here.

[duck]

Mine have been pretty consistent and accurate. I need to get my "real lab" test done this month, so as soon as I get that scheduled, I'll do my home test as well same day.

[Harold]

Done it three times and yes I messed up one of them by not paying attention to the instructions. The first test I did (5.9) was on the order of 0.5 or 0.6 difference with the lab (6.4 or 6.5) which was just in tolerence. The other good test was like 0.1 difference. So yes it is easy to mess up the test so no matter how many times you have done it follow the instructions exactly.

[duck]

Done it three times and yes I messed up one of them by not paying attention to the instructions. The first test I did (5.9) was on the order of 0.5 or 0.6 difference with the lab (6.4 or 6.5) which was just in tolerence. The other good test was like 0.1 difference. So yes it is easy to mess up the test so no matter how many times you have done it follow the instructions exactly.

...having said that, once or twice in my life I have gotten a reading back from a lab that *just* wasn't right, but you can't acuse them of anything...the doc just makes you do another.

[Harold]

My average meter readings were more in line with an A1c of 5.7 to 5.8. However three months later the lab results came back at 6.5 and it was that time I messed up the home test. Due to go back for another lab test the end of this month and will do another home test at that time.

[Diana]

I wish they had these things over here in Australia! Well, at least I dont think they are available.. Id love to be able to do more tests in between my doctors appointments.

[duck]

I wish they had these things over here in Australia! Well, at least I dont think they are available.. Id love to be able to do more tests in between my doctors appointments.

I do them monthly; 90 days is a VERY long time to try and figure out if you are making progress, off-track, etc. I find my over-all control has become better with the availability of these tests.

[jeggeman31]

I do a home test each month. Every 3 months I get a blood test via the lab also. I will do my home test, then go to the lab and get the test done with them. I think my last lab test was 5.8 and home was 5.7 or something close to that. I don't have my paperwork near me. I don't see that much between the two. I feel they are right on the money.