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This is my review of PTS Diagnostic's home HbA1c testing kit "A1CNow+"
I don't remember where/when I first heard about the A1CNow home kit for testing HbA1c, but it was a while ago. Then, it was produced by Bayer, at least as early as 2010. It was acquired by PTS Diagnostics within the last few years. I like the idea of checking my HbA1c at home, so I started checking for kits on Ebay. Last week I ordered one, with ten tests. It cost CDN$185 including shipping (110 UK pounds). There are temperature storage requirements, so how would I know if a test kit bought from some random person on Ebay had not exceeded the max temp? Fortunately, there's a temperature sensitive label on the box with a dot that turns red if it has been in an environment over 122 F/ 50 C, which would ruin the test kit. Mine was fine. If stored in the fridge, the kit will last until it's expiry date, which for mine is a year from now. Stored at room temp it will last 4 months.
Having received the kit, still in the factory sealed box (see photo below), in the post last week, I gave it a try. I read the instructions carefully (see photo below), then went to work. The amount of blood needed is about the same you need for a regular glucometer, so I just used my lancer and got a sample into the thingamajig. First test: all seemed fine, the meter started counting down from 5 minutes, then after 5 minutes..."error". I thought I did it correctly, but maybe not as it was my first try.
Attempt number two: got the blood sample in the thingamajig, shook it up, but some of the fluid leaked out (I think I didn't insert it properly). I got the test going anyway, but didn't expect it to work. After 5 minutes: "error" again.
Third attempt: this one went perfectly, and after five minutes: 5.7%/38.8 mmol/mol (see photo below), which is about what I expected. Maybe a little better than I expected since my last lab test was 5.9%. Of course, I have no idea how accurate it is other than what the company claims, which is "99% accurate". I am getting my six-monthly lab HbA1 done next month, so I shall do another A1CNow+ test and compare results.
So, I used up three tests to get one result. However, all in all, I'd say it is an ok piece of kit if you have money to waste and really want to test your HbA1c on your own. I'm not yet convinced it can replace real lab tests, but it would be nice if it could (I know the lab tests are paid for by the government, but I don't like the inconvenience and waiting for results).
Here's a video of how to use the A1CNow (I really should have watched this myself before using it):
I don't remember where/when I first heard about the A1CNow home kit for testing HbA1c, but it was a while ago. Then, it was produced by Bayer, at least as early as 2010. It was acquired by PTS Diagnostics within the last few years. I like the idea of checking my HbA1c at home, so I started checking for kits on Ebay. Last week I ordered one, with ten tests. It cost CDN$185 including shipping (110 UK pounds). There are temperature storage requirements, so how would I know if a test kit bought from some random person on Ebay had not exceeded the max temp? Fortunately, there's a temperature sensitive label on the box with a dot that turns red if it has been in an environment over 122 F/ 50 C, which would ruin the test kit. Mine was fine. If stored in the fridge, the kit will last until it's expiry date, which for mine is a year from now. Stored at room temp it will last 4 months.
Having received the kit, still in the factory sealed box (see photo below), in the post last week, I gave it a try. I read the instructions carefully (see photo below), then went to work. The amount of blood needed is about the same you need for a regular glucometer, so I just used my lancer and got a sample into the thingamajig. First test: all seemed fine, the meter started counting down from 5 minutes, then after 5 minutes..."error". I thought I did it correctly, but maybe not as it was my first try.
Attempt number two: got the blood sample in the thingamajig, shook it up, but some of the fluid leaked out (I think I didn't insert it properly). I got the test going anyway, but didn't expect it to work. After 5 minutes: "error" again.
Third attempt: this one went perfectly, and after five minutes: 5.7%/38.8 mmol/mol (see photo below), which is about what I expected. Maybe a little better than I expected since my last lab test was 5.9%. Of course, I have no idea how accurate it is other than what the company claims, which is "99% accurate". I am getting my six-monthly lab HbA1 done next month, so I shall do another A1CNow+ test and compare results.
So, I used up three tests to get one result. However, all in all, I'd say it is an ok piece of kit if you have money to waste and really want to test your HbA1c on your own. I'm not yet convinced it can replace real lab tests, but it would be nice if it could (I know the lab tests are paid for by the government, but I don't like the inconvenience and waiting for results).
Here's a video of how to use the A1CNow (I really should have watched this myself before using it):
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