DETROIT (Nov. 5, 2025) – During National Diabetes Awareness Month the American Red Cross is offering free A1C screening for blood donors in November. 

The test, which is commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, measures an individual’s blood sugar level over the past three months. While no fasting is required for the test, blood donors should eat a nutritious meal ahead of their appointment. 

A1C screening is offered at Red Cross mobile blood drives and donation centers. To receive A1C results, donors must make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation and have not received an A1C result with their donation in the past 12 months. 

Blood donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory for routine screening.

The Red Cross is providing A1C testing for blood donations for the third time this year. A1C testing was previously offered in March and August. Since March, the Red Cross has provided about 550,000 A1C screenings nationwide. Of those, about 145,000 individuals were notified of concerning A1C levels, which can be potential indicators of chronic conditions like prediabetes or diabetes.

Diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some 80 percent of those living with prediabetes are unaware of having it. By offering the A1C screening, the Red Cross aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being.

To book a donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Those who come to give through Nov. 16 will receive $20 in e-gift cards to a choice of merchants, plus be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.