Know Your Health: Free Hemoglobin A1c Testing with Every Blood Donation
Stanford Blood Center is proud to announce an important new initiative in our ongoing dedication to community health: the introduction of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing, which aims to support and enhance the well-being of individuals in our community.
What is HbA1c Testing?
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance donor care and community health awareness, we are launching HbA1c testing on our donor population. When you donate blood, we will measure your HbA1c levels. This simple yet impactful test is an indicator of your average blood sugar levels over the past three months, providing valuable insights into your diabetes risk and overall health.
Viewing Your Test Results
STEP 1:
Download and/or open the SBC app for iPhone or Android phones.* (Note that test results are only in the SBC app for now, and may be added to the sbcdonor.org web portal in future.)
STEP 2:
Log in using your donor credentials (the same username/email and password you use for sbcdonor.org). If you are new to SBC and need to create your account, you can do so right in the app. You’ll need the Donor ID that was emailed to you. If you can’t find your Donor ID, reach out to support@stanfordbloodcenter.org and a team member will be happy to assist.
STEP 3:
Click the “my test results” button on the “me” tab as shown below. Please note that test results may take up to two weeks post-donation to appear in the app due to testing time.
* Don’t have a smartphone? Contact support@stanfordbloodcenter.org. Please note that support staff have limited hours, and will respond as quickly as possible.
What Do the Test Results Mean?
- HbA1c levels below 5.7% are typical in healthy non-diabetic individuals.
- Elevated HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% may suggest pre-diabetes (increased risk of developing diabetes).
- Elevated HbA1c levels of 6.5% or higher may suggest diabetes.
- Certain conditions aside from diabetes can affect your HbA1c level (e.g., recent blood loss, sickle cell disease, recent transfusion, etc.).
What Should You Do With Your Results?
If your HbA1c levels are high:
- Contact Your Physician: Certain conditions other than diabetes can affect your HbA1c levels. It is, therefore, important to discuss your results with your primary care physician for further evaluation and guidance.
- Follow Medical Advice: Follow any recommendations provided by your healthcare provider to manage your health effectively.
Join Us in Making a Healthier Tomorrow
You’re not just donating blood; you’re contributing to a deeper understanding of health within our community. Together, we can empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and support each other in leading healthier lives.
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Stanford Blood Center does not dispense medical advice. The information provided with your test results is for informational purposes only. For interpretation of your results and medical advice, please consult your primary care physician.