LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test 2024 Review
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Since the pandemic, there’s been an explosion in at-home lab testing—testing kits with instructions mailed to your home, avoiding any in-person contact or appointments. You collect blood, mucus or urine samples—basically whatever the company requires—and mail it back to a lab for testing.
The LetsGetChecked diabetes at-home test uses a blood sample from a finger prick to measure your HbA1c levels. Your test results can give you insight into your average glucose levels, which is helpful if you have diabetes or suspect you may have pre-diabetes.
We used the LetsGetChecked HbA1c home test kit, from ordering to result interpretation and follow up care. In this review, we're sharing our firsthand experience of this diabetes test kit, including a guide to who it's best for and when to see a doctor.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test At A Glance
- Price: $89
- Time from sample received to results: 2-5 days
- Covered by Insurance: No
- Tests for: Measures hemoglobin A1c, an indication of your average blood sugar levels over three months
- Sample type: Finger prick
- Follow-up care: Clinical nursing and pharmacy staff are available by phone to help you understand your test results
How the LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test Works
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To receive the LetsGetChecked diabetes test kit, you simply order it online on the LetsGetChecked website. The company then mails you a testing kit that includes everything you need to prick your finger and then collect and return a small vial of blood. Upon following the manufacturer's instructions, you return the sample to the lab, where it is analyzed. Our tester, Chloe Sisson, noted that ordering was super easy. “The tracking was accurate, and it was delivered within a week," Sisson says. "Plus there was little waste since everything is packaged in the box that's used to return the sample."
It's also simple to locate and understand your results, Sisson says. "You receive an email a few days after you mail in your test that takes you right to your results dashboard, making it very easy to find your results. You’ll see all the tests you’ve taken and will click the large 'Results Available' button," she says.
"Once you click that button, you’ll choose which test you want the results for. The dashboard will also show you the date you took your test, which could be really helpful if you’re trying to test a certain measure over time. On the dashboard, you will see your results on a sliding scale for each measure, and identifying your range is very easy. The scale is accompanied by a blurb from a doctor about the range and your number. Below your results, you can find out more about your results or seek aftercare."
What It Tests For
The LetsGetChecked diabetes testing kit analyzes your levels of hemoglobin A1c, also known as HbA1c or A1c. HbA1c tests measure how much glucose (also known as sugar) is attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying cells in your blood. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), blood glucose levels and HbA1c tend to reflect one another. If your blood glucose is high, there’s more glucose attached to your hemoglobin—so your HbA1C levels will be high, too.
As stated by experts at the Cleveland Clinic, healthcare professionals use A1c tests to:
- Determine whether you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes
- See whether your treatment plan is working
“A1c is a quick way to check overall glucose control over a three-month period. It’s an easy way for healthcare providers to understand your average glucose level,” explains William Dixon, MD, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford University.
Interpreting Your LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test Results
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LetsGetChecked will send you a kit by mail, which you will have to complete and mail back for testing. The lab kit includes:
- Instructions for use
- Lancets to use to pierce your finger
- A blood collection tube
- Bandages and gauze
- Alcohol wipes
- A biohazard bag
- A return envelope
The company recommends you take your sample in the morning, but you do not have to fast before taking it.
First, you’ll thoroughly clean your hands with warm, soapy water. After washing your hands, you’ll clean your ring finger with an alcohol swab to remove germs. When your ring finger has dried, you will:
- Pierce the flat tip of your ring finger using the enclosed lancet.
- Massage blood from your finger into the collection tube, filling it to the indicated line.
- Secure the collection tube and gently turn it upside down and right side up 10 times to mix the sample.
Then, you’ll secure your sample inside the enclosed biohazard bag, seal it, place it in your box and either arrange for UPS to pick it up from your home or leave it at a UPS drop-off location. Shipping is included in the price of the test.
LetsGetChecked promises to analyze your blood within two to five days of receiving your sample, sending you an email when your results are ready. In order to review your results, you'll use an online dashboard—accessible only by logging into your account on the LetsGetChecked website. The dashboard lets you download a copy of your results to share with your healthcare provider.
You can also connect with the LetsGetChecked clinical team, which includes medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists. This online chat or phone consultation is included in the price of your test.
Check out our LetsGetChecked Thyroid Test review for information on other LetsGetChecked tests.
Our Experience with the LetsGetChecked HbA1c Test
Below, Sisson describes her experience with the LetsGetChecked HbA1c Test.
Ordering, shipping and delivery
"When you open the box, the initial instructions are right on top, making it easy to understand what to do," she says. "It’s easy to activate the test. You even receive an activation email once your test is delivered along with the activation instructions included in the box. It was easy to understand all the steps, from activating to taking to returning the test."
Collecting the sample
"This was my second time taking an LetsGetChecked test. I kind of knew what I was doing this time which made collecting the sample 10 times easier," Sisson says. "The instructions are very easy to follow. The prick doesn’t hurt too bad, it’s more getting over the idea of stabbing yourself! I had to prick two fingers to get enough blood to fill the vial. It seems like a lot of blood since you only get little drops from your finger. You have to scoop the blood into the vial rather than let it flow from your finger, which was a bit tedious."
She adds, "I think it would be beneficial to have a second person help squeeze your finger to get the blood flowing. It’s a little difficult to get the right angle on yourself. If you’re collecting the sample yourself, I’ve found it best to hold your finger upside down (with your fingernail facing the ground) and squeeze. Then somewhat wipe the blood into the vial. I’ve used this method on both tests and did not have any blood contamination issues. The test also says to use your left ring finger, but I've had better luck with my right ring finger."
Customer service
"I didn’t reach out to anyone at LetsGetChecked, but the emails and instructions are very understandable," she says. "It was easy to find ways to contact their team on the website. The company only has email and phone contacts, no online chat. I personally love the online chat feature companies will offer because you can get immediate answers."
Interpreting my results
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As Sisson mentioned, if you wanted to sign up for follow-up care after you receive your test results back, its quite simple to do through the online platform. When interpreting your results, here are the kinds of numbers you might see, and what they mean:
Normal A1c: < 5.7 percent
Borderline High A1c: 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent
High A1c: 6.5 percent or higher
You may also receive a call from one of the medical staff members at LetsGetChecked to discuss your test, and with any out-of-range results, they'll offer follow-up care and walk you through the process.
If you’re new to at-home testing, you might wonder about the accuracy of extracting a blood sample at home using just a finger prick—a question that continues to be researched. In one analysis of 29 HIV self-test kits, researchers determined most participants can perform home tests accurately, producing high correlations with laboratory professional tests. Yet, others have found self-test kits do not live up to accuracy claims. Another review found most diabetes home testing test kits led to results that were within five percent of lab-drawn samples. However, other studies have concluded at-home testing kits were much less accurate than blood collected and analyzed at an in-person lab.
Related Post: LetsGetChecked Home Cholesterol Test Review
What We Like About the Diabetes Test
- Convenient and quick way to get information about your blood sugar levels at home
- You can pay for the test using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA)
- You can chat with pharmacists and nurses by phone if you have questions about your results
- Results are simple to download and share with a healthcare provider
What to Consider
- At-home A1c testing is a developing science and the Let’sGetChecked diabetes test is not yet FDA-approved
- Some people (like our tester) may have a difficult time getting enough blood to fill the vial with one finger prick
- Not covered by health insurance
- Healthcare organizations have questioned the privacy of at-home blood testing; however, LetsGetChecked’s policy is not to share your personally identifiable information with third parties unless required by a state health agency
Who Should Consider an A1C Test
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting A1c testing if:
- You’re older than 45
- You’re younger than 45 and are at a higher risk for developing pre-diabetes
Ideally, you’ll undergo A1c testing under the direction of your healthcare provider, says Betul Hatipoglu, MD, a professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. After getting a baseline done at a lab, you can use at-home tests to keep tabs on your blood sugar over time.
“If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, it’s always a good idea to monitor your A1c levels frequently, regardless of age,” says Nilda Agnes Abellera, MD, medical director of InfuzeMD. “The beauty of at-home HbA1c test kits is that they are quick and convenient,” Abellera adds. “Some people are not able to go to a lab due to disability or proximity. These tests are perfect for these people.”
Despite the concerns about accuracy, Mireille Serlie, MD, a professor of endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine, adds, “At-home A1c testing could also increase compliance for some people, meaning they are more likely to test their blood sugar regularly and follow-up with their doctor. In theory, these tests might benefit all patients with diabetes, but mostly [they're helpful for] those who have difficulties, for whatever reason, going to a lab. With the increased demand for telehealth, this might also offer a solution to provide regular care without the necessity to visit the outpatient clinic for every follow-up visit.”
Symptoms of Elevated A1c Levels
According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms of high blood sugar include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unintentional weight loss
- Excessive hunger
- Blurry vision
- Numb or tingling hands and feet
- Excessive fatigue
- Dry skin
- Sores that heal slowly
- Frequent infections
When to See a Doctor
“If your HbA1c is elevated, consult your primary healthcare provider,” suggests Dixon. Your health care professional will look at several data points, in addition to your HbA1c levels, to determine your next steps, he says.
Your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes, such as following a special diet for diabetes or consuming more protein. Or, if your numbers are high enough, your doctor might recommend medication.
Your fasting glucose level and glucose fluctuations over time are also important. For this reason, in addition to at-home A1c testing, you may also want to track your glucose levels either by using at-home blood tests or a continuous glucose monitor.
“Combining a continuous glucose monitor with detailed tracking or an app that can tie together glucose and health behaviors can provide more information to guide overall health decisions,” Dixon says.
Related Post: This CGM Service Is A New Way To Look At Food
LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test FAQs
What does the LetsGetChecked HbA1c test include and test for?
This blood test measures your levels of hemoglobin A1c (also called HbA1c). According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), this test provides a better understanding of your average blood sugar levels over time. It’s often used to determine whether a person has type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.
When is the best time to take the LetsGetChecked HbA1c test?
LetsGetChecked recommends you collect your blood sample first thing in the morning. However, according to the NIDDK, your A1C results are not affected by your diet. In other words, unlike a fasting blood glucose test, you do not have to fast before taking an A1c test.
Does LetsGetChecked offer any follow up care once you take the diabetes test?
If you fill out the needed consent forms, your results can be sent to your healthcare provider. You can also download them from an online portal.
You can also connect with the LetsGetChecked clinical team by online chat or phone to learn more about your test results, including possible lifestyle modifications that you may need, such as changing your diet and exercise routine. Ongoing care is available via telehealth for an extra charge.
Related Post: The Best Meal Delivery Services for Diabetes
What samples are required for the LetsGetChecked HbA1c diabetes test?
The LetsGetChecked HbA1c test requires a blood sample. You prick your finger and massage your hand and finger until you collect enough drops in the sample collection tube.
Takeaway: Is the LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test Right for You?
At-home blood testing kits like LetsGetChecked can be helpful for keeping tabs on your average blood sugar. “They are easy to use, especially if the individual cannot travel to a facility to have their testing done,” says Hatipoglu. However, they aren’t covered by insurance and represent just one snapshot of your metabolic health. Make sure to share your results with your healthcare professional, who can help you put them in perspective and develop a treatment plan, if needed.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
