HbA1c Blood Test Kit – At-Home Sample Collection
Biomarkers
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HbA1c
The HbA1c test is commonly used to monitor diabetes. The test can provide information about how well a person's blood sugar has been controlled over time and can help identify high blood sugar levels that may lead to complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is HbA1c and what does it measure?
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HbA1c measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 8–12 weeks by assessing how much glucose is attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells.
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What does my HbA1c result mean?
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Your results can indicate whether your blood sugar levels are within a healthy range, or whether they suggest prediabetes or diabetes. Regular testing can also be used to monitor existing diabetes over time.
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What are normal HbA1c ranges?
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Normal: below 42 mmol/mol. Pre-diabetes: 42–47 mmol/mol. Diabetes: 48 mmol/mol or higher.
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Do I need to fast before an HbA1c test?
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No. Fasting is not required, as the test reflects long-term blood sugar control rather than recent food intake.
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What symptoms might suggest diabetes?
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Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurrent infections.
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Can anything affect the accuracy of an HbA1c result?
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Yes. Anaemia, recent blood loss or a transfusion, kidney disease, pregnancy, and some blood disorders can affect results.
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How often should HbA1c be checked?
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At least once a year if you are at risk of diabetes, or every 3 to 6 months if you have diabetes, depending on your clinical advice.
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Is HbA1c the same as a finger-prick glucose test?
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No. A finger-prick test shows your blood sugar at a single point in time, while HbA1c reflects your average levels over several months.
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How can I lower my HbA1c?
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Lifestyle changes such as an improved diet, regular exercise and weight management. Medication may be needed in some cases.
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Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time
Test Preparation
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HbA1c
Fasting is not required for an HbA1c test. Unlike many other blood tests, you may eat and drink normally beforehand, as the result reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months rather than at a single point in time, and is therefore not affected by recent meals.
Symptom Check
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Diabetes Symptom Check
Diabetes symptoms can be mild, gradual, or absent, particularly in the early stages. Common symptoms of diabetes include:
• Increased thirst and a persistent dry mouth
• Passing urine more often, especially at night
• Ongoing tiredness or lack of energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred or changing vision
• Slow-healing cuts, wounds, or infections
• Recurrent infections, such as thrush or urinary tract infections
• Increased hunger, even after eating
• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands or feet
Some people with diabetes experience no noticeable symptoms, which is why blood testing is important for early detection.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, or risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, excess weight, or low physical activity, an HbA1c blood test can help assess your average blood sugar levels and identify diabetes or pre-diabetes early.
Early testing supports timely lifestyle changes or medical treatment and helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
Reports are reviewed by a UK-registered doctor before being sent out. The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Check your longer-term blood sugar with our HbA1c Blood Test Kit. Collect a small finger-prick blood sample at home and return it using the included prepaid envelope for laboratory analysis.
Your sample is analysed using HPLC technology in our CQC-regulated UK laboratory. Receive a quantitative PDF report that you can share with your GP or another healthcare professional.
What does an HbA1c test measure?
HbA1c, also called glycated haemoglobin, reflects your blood sugar levels over roughly the previous two to three months. It provides a longer-term picture rather than a blood glucose reading at a single moment.
HbA1c and blood glucose measurements serve different purposes. This test does not replace day-to-day glucose monitoring where that has been recommended by your healthcare team.
Is this test right for you?
This kit offers a convenient way to collect a sample for a laboratory HbA1c measurement. If you are monitoring diabetes or have been advised to check your longer-term blood sugar, discuss the timing and interpretation of testing with your healthcare professional.
HbA1c is not suitable for every clinical situation. Some conditions and treatments can affect how the result is interpreted. If you have symptoms, are pregnant, or are unsure whether this is the appropriate test, seek medical advice before ordering.
How does the at-home test work?
- Order your HbA1c blood test kit.
- Read the enclosed instructions and collect your finger-prick blood sample as directed.
- Return your sample using the prepaid envelope, following the posting instructions supplied with your kit.
- Receive your laboratory results as a quantitative PDF report that you can share with your healthcare professional.
What will your report tell you?
Your report provides a numerical HbA1c result to support a discussion about your longer-term blood sugar. It is not a personalised treatment plan. Your healthcare professional can interpret the result alongside your symptoms, medical history and any other tests.
Do not change medicines or your diabetes management plan based on this result without advice from your healthcare team.
HPLC analysis and chromatogram requests
We use HPLC technology to analyse your sample. If you would like a copy of your chromatogram graph to share with your clinician, this is available on request. Please email info@lhclab.co.uk.
UK laboratory analysis
Your sample is processed by LHC Lab, our UK laboratory regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Does this replace medical care?
No. This is a private laboratory testing service, not a replacement for medical assessment or ongoing diabetes care. If you have new or worsening symptoms or feel unwell, seek medical advice rather than waiting for a home test or its results.
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
