Traditionally, glycohemoglobin (GHb) tests have been performed in laboratories. A blood sample would be taken in a physician’s office and the sample would be sent to a laboratory for analysis. However, more options are now available. Glycohemoglobin tests can now be performed in physicians’ offices and at home.

Laboratory tests are considered very accurate. However, they require a large blood sample and can take days to provide results. Now there are desktop instruments that let physicians test glycohemoglobin in their offices. A drop of blood from a patient’s fingertip is tested, with results available within minutes. The physician can then discuss the results with the patient.

Kits are also available for glycohemoglobin testing at home. Most require patients to take their own blood sample and mail it to a lab for results. At least one version allows patients to see a digital reading in less than 10 minutes, but it is a one-time-use test.

When used properly, home tests can provide accurate results. Self-tests, though, have a greater risk of error than laboratory conducted tests.

Patients using a home test should have a strong sense of how to perform the test and what the results will mean. People can benefit from performing the test under the supervision of a physician or a certified diabetes educator to ensure the test is being done correctly. Patients should always discuss their home test results with their physician. Home monitoring should not replace the regular glycohemoglobin test performed by a physician.