Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) LIS Code: HbA1c
Private HbA1c test £39: your average blood sugar over 2-3 months, no fasting needed. Book at Slough, Victoria or Neasden, or have a nurse visit you.
Before your test
Test Categories
About this test
HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over the last two to three months. It's the main test used in the UK to check for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, and to see how well diabetes is controlled over time.
No fasting, any time of day
Because HbA1c reflects the last few months rather than the last few hours, you don't need to fast and can book whenever suits you, including our late appointments until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Slough.
Understanding your result
Results are given in mmol/mol. UK guidance uses these bands for adults:
- Below 42 mmol/mol: within the normal range.
- 42 to 47 mmol/mol: higher than normal, often called prediabetes. This is a good time to make changes, and the test is usually repeated within a year.
- 48 mmol/mol or above: in the range seen with diabetes. A diagnosis is normally confirmed with a second test, so speak to your GP or one of our doctors.
When HbA1c may not be accurate
Some conditions change how long red blood cells last, which can make HbA1c read too high or too low. These include anaemia, recent heavy bleeding or a blood transfusion, some inherited haemoglobin variants, pregnancy and advanced kidney disease. In these cases a blood glucose test may be more suitable, and we can help you choose.
Who books this test
- People with symptoms such as feeling very thirsty, passing urine often, tiredness or slow-healing cuts.
- Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes, carrying extra weight around the middle, or from a South Asian, African or African-Caribbean background, who are at higher risk.
- People with diabetes keeping track of their control, often every three to six months as agreed with their doctor.
Many patients add a cholesterol (lipid) profile, since blood sugar and cholesterol together give a fuller picture of heart health. If you'd like your result explained, you can book a GP consultation.
