Just wondering because with no insurance/money right now I want to get one so I can do my tests at home. (i like the hardly no waiting for results too).
I know some of you are using them. Feedback? (I am talking about the A1C meter testers - not that test where you have to mail it in - I saw that at Walmart the other day)
Also anyone know if I can get one for free somewhere (like we do with the meters)? :)
I’ve used the Bayer A1cNow metered test. I’ve done two tests concurrent with a lab A1C and they have been completely accurate. I really think they are useful. I don’t know where you could get one for free. There are two tests in each box. You can find them on-line fairly cheaply. I doubt you will find these items for free. They are limited use. You can get a free meter because they figure you will then buy their test strips for that meter. This deal is a two shot deal and then no mas.
I bought a package but despite following the directions very carefully cd not get either of the two to work.
Actually last year my local Walgreens did free A1C tests for World Diabetes Day in November. (I believe it ran for about a week).
I like the control of being able to do my own test and have been told they are quite accurate. I got spoiled when I lived in Guatemala where I could just walk into a lab, ask for any test (any they knew about that is!) and go back for the results a couple days later. I hate having to go to a doctor’s appointment for a lab slip, then ask him to give me the results, get a slip from him saying “normal” (that is not “results”), bug the lab, and finally get results after two weeks. Much rather just do it myself and know right away. At $30 for two tests it cost about what I used to pay for a lab test in Guatemala!
Thanks!
SF Pete do you know if the Bayer A1CNow the only one out there? At Walmart, the one they had was the Bayer one - it was around $30 which isn’t bad and it said it had two tests in it.
I didn’t see any “replacement” tests (or refills, if you will). How much are your refill tests? I am assuming to don’t have to re-buy the whole kit over again. 
Maybe I can get a coupon somewhere. I bet one day they will be freebies like the meters.
I had a free one done this past June at CVS Clinics. They are not having them right now and I due to retest.
I know the Walgreens had them at one time too. I don’t even see it as a regular paid service on their list though. Hmm. nor on the CVS Clinic list.
Once you do the two tests that come with the meter, the whole thing is used up. You need to buy another meter for another two tests. There are not replacements or refills for any of the components. I think the Bayer is the only one of the market as of yet. Unfortunately you do need to buy a whole new kit once you use up your current. Check out Bayer’s website. They may have some sort of assistance or discount program for patients who are uninsured or facing a low-income situation.
I buy mine online… on eBay, and Amazon. I’ve gotten them for $12 before, that way, Kim.
Wow! Ok, I didn’t know that.
Is there a reason why there are no refill tests? I haven’t used one of these so not sure - I did see the nurse use it at CVS when I went to get my free one. But it seems to me they COULD have refills.
That is a waste to have to throw the whole meter away after only two tests?? Geez, that is weird! (not to meniton not very environmentally friendly - the diabetes testing people have to get up with the green times - where are the reusable strips or rechargable meters!? LOL)
OK, so the Walmart test where you mail it in for only 9 bucks is actually cheaper in the long run…even though I have to wait about a week. It is one test for 9 bucks which is cheaper than two tests for 30$. I guess I know what I am gonna do now. I guess I will have to start to learn to be patient…
Thanks for the info.
Are you using the A1Cnow one from Bayer, Liz?
After getting SFpete’s info, I think the Walmart $9 mail-in one will end up being my best shot. This way I can pay cash too. The $9 includes all the mailing and everything apparently and I live near a Walmart luckily.
Like you KimKat I thought you could use them more than 2 times. Good onfo here.
Well… I get my A1C through our local free clinic, and I don’t pay for it, that way… but When I got it, I got it with free shipping – basically 2 tests for $12. I believe CVS has a minute clinic with free A1C tests, too… But yeah, those ReliOn A1C’s are probably good. I’ve never had a problem with that brand.
The regular blood test through the free clinic or do they use the A1C meter too?
Yes, the CVS is not having the free test right now. That is what I did last time. I just checked their website - no free test right now.
That is OK. When it comes around again, I will take advantage of it. I guess I can do the $9 one OK. Not too bad for every 3 months. Just wondering how accurate the mail-in ones are? But than again, I guess every type of test could be slightly off.
I need to find myself a regular low cost clinic or free one - so far I am not having much luck. Even a low cost sliding scale (which might be $15 or $30 a visit) might be more expensive than the mail in one.
Yes, why do they do it that way? It seems ridiculous to throw the whole thing away. Just trying to make more money off of us, as usual!
But that’s exactly why they do it.
A regular blood test, at a hospital lab, through the free clinic. I may have to camp out for 9 hours outside the place to get service, but we’re lucky to have them. That’s for sure.
I really wish our very rich senators would hang out here and see what it’s like for way too many people. This is the richest country in the world. We should have better health care than this. I’m 1 layoff away from being without insurance benefits myself. It’s wrong that people with chronic conditions have to fend for themselves while all the time the guys who are making up the rules have 100% coverage for just about everything for the rest of their lives. I will happily pay higher taxes to provide universal health care to everyone. Am I the only one who takes the social contract seriously?
True! But I hate that. Why all that waste when they could make replacement tests for the thing? You think it would save them money too to make replacement tests
I get so sick of this! I took diabetes back in the 70’s when it wasn’t that popular to be diabetic. No commericals about the bs machines (to tell the truth we done urine checking then absoulty NO bs machines at all) but look at the killing they made when they 1st came out! Insulin at that time was (yes beef & pork) only like $3 a vile if that high. Look at it now days! WOW at the changes.
No your not the only one. The US tend to be overly adverse to change. The most of the world has socialized health care and education, but we seem to think healthcare is not a right and education should only be socialized through high school. I would gladly pay higher taxes if it would help others. But like the refusal of the metric system America has to refuse to do what the rest of the world does.