Description
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 1 Test
Item Description
By OmegaQuant
The HbA1c Hemoglobin A1C Test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. When glucose builds up in the blood, it binds to a protein called hemoglobin. Testing your hemoglobin A1c level is a great way to gain insight into your body’s ability to metabolize glucose.
What is the Hemoglobin A1C Test (HbA1c)
The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures the percentage of hemoglobin A proteins on red blood cells with glucose attached. The higher your blood glucose is, the more glucose there is attached to the hemoglobin A1c protein. Your HbA1c level reflects your average blood glucose over the past three months. A healthy HbA1c is below 5.7%, while a level above 5.7% indicates chronic elevated glucose and warrants a discussion with your healthcare provider.
Elevated HbA1c can be reduced and managed through diet and lifestyle modifications. You can expect changes in your HbA1c level when you retest in three months after making important diet and lifestyle changes.
3 Simple Steps:
- Measure – Testing your hemoglobin A1c level is a great way to gain insight into your body’s ability to metabolize glucose.
- Modify – Knowing your HbA1c level will enable you to modify your diet and supplements/medications.
- Monitor – Monitoring changes over time is essential in assessing the effectiveness of any lifestyle changes.
Instructions for Use:
Read all instructions before sample collection.
Contains:
- Sample collection card
- Lancet
- Bandage
- Gauze pad
- Alcohol wipe
- Return envelope
User Instructions of the Hemoglobin A1C Test:
- Remove all components from the small plastic bag. Locate the collection card with the barcode on the front.
- Register the test kit at omegaquant.com/start using the barcode on the collection card. You will NOT receive your results unless it is registered. An instructional video will show how to collect a blood sample during registration.
- Fill out the information requested on the collection card.
- Prepare for finger prick by improving blood flow by washing your hands in warm water and standing up and shaking your hand at your side.
- Clean the tip of the finger (index, middle, or ring) with the alcohol wipe. Allow the alcohol to dry unassisted.
- Twist off the blue protective lancet cover. Place the lancet lightly on the tip of your clean finger and press down firmly into your finger until a click is heard.
- Wipe away the first show of blood with gauze.
- Gently squeeze the finger to allow a blood drop to form. This can take 15-30 seconds – be patient.
- Let the blood drop off your finger onto the collection card into the center circle.
- Repeat steps 8-9 to collect all 3 blood spots.
- When the blood spot is collected, apply pressure to the finger with the gauze pad and bandage the prick site.
- Let the blood spot dry with the flap open for several minutes. Fold the flap on the collection card over to cover the dried blood spot.
- Place the sample collection card in the plastic bag and seal the bag. Place this bag in the pre-paid return mail envelope, then mail it on the same day.
- Discard the lancet and other supplies in the trash.
Warnings–
Persons with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners should consult with their physicians before using this kit.