170 Park Avenue North, Northampton, NN3 2HZ
Tel: (01604) 816162
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6.30pm
Saturday: 9am - 12.30pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays: Closed
Diabetes Diagnosis And Monitoring
A high HbA1c is used to diagnose diabetes. It is particularly useful because it gives an indication of how often you have had abnormally high blood glucose levels over the previous 3 months – rather than a glucose test which only shows your level at a single point in time. It is a potentially life-saving test and it is quite common for people to have diabetes and not know about it. Unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will be tested?
Blood glucose level
Preparing for the test
There is no need to fast (go without food or drinks) for this test.
We do suggest keeping your arm warm, as being cold can sometimes make it harder to draw your blood, and stay well hydrated.
If blood tests make you anxious, let your phlebotomist know at the start of your appointment. They will do their best to make the experience as stress-free as possible
What to expect
During your test, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire to make sure you are well enough for the test. The main part of your screen will be a simple venous blood test (where blood is drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle). This should only take a minute or two to complete.
You would receive your results via email with the in-house GP's review to allow you to understand your results.
When do I get my results?
You will receive your results on the two days after the blood sample is taken as the sample is received by the laboratory the following day.
London laboratory test all samples as quickly as possible after receiving them which enables the team of in-house GPs to review and communicate your results in the fastest possible time frame.