Live HealthSmart Alabama (LHSA) is upgrading its Mobile Wellness capabilities with a new tool that makes diabetes testing faster, easier, and more reliable.
Using funding from Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company focused on defeating chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, LHSA has acquired five Afinion 2 Analyzers that will be used in wellness screenings across the state. This next-generation device for hemoglobin A1C testing allows participants to receive immediate results and talk through next steps with health coaches on the spot.
According to Dalton Norwood, M.D., Director of Prevention and Wellness for LHSA, knowing your A1C level is important to uncovering undiagnosed diabetes and managing existing diabetes, which can improve a patient’s quality of life and reduce long-term damage.
For LHSA, this step is part of a larger effort to bring care directly to the community. By combining technology, partnerships, and education, the organization continues to make preventive care accessible to everyone, no matter where they live.
About the Test
The test measures the average amount of sugar (glucose) in a person’s blood over the past two to three months. Rather than showing a single day’s reading, it provides a big-picture view of how well blood sugar is being managed over time. Higher A1C levels can indicate that blood sugar has been consistently high, signaling a risk for or presence of diabetes.
Turning test results into real-time conversations and action is key, and the new Afinion 2 Analyzer is already changing how LHSA delivers care. What once took five minutes can now be done in as little as three, giving staff more time to talk with participants about their results and next steps. The testing process itself is easier too, requiring just a small drop of blood from a quick finger stick.
In addition to speed and simplicity, the devices also enhance precision and reliability. The analyzers are certified by both the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), which means their readings meet rigorous national and international standards. Built-in features like automatic calibration, self-contained cartridges, and a compact printer make testing smooth and efficient for staff. Even outdoor and mobile screenings benefit from the analyzer’s wide temperature range, which minimizes errors and retesting.
Know Your Numbers
The devices have already been implemented in Birmingham as of October 1. Community members interested in checking their A1C or other key health metrics can visit LHSA’s Mobile Wellness events, held regularly in Birmingham, Selma, Demopolis, and surrounding areas. For upcoming dates and locations, visit the LHSA website.