Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test
A private HbA1c blood test showing your average blood sugar over the last two to three months, the same measure the NHS uses to diagnose type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. From £49, no fasting needed. Three ways to take it: a finger-prick kit at home (£49), one of 250+ Goodbody clinics (£69), or a nurse home visit (£89). Results in 3 to 5 working days, with a GP report included.... Read more
A private HbA1c blood test showing your average blood sugar over the last two to three months, the same measure the NHS uses to diagnose type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. From £49, no fasting needed. Three ways to take it: a finger-prick kit at home (£49), one of 250+ Goodbody clinics (£69), or a nurse home visit (£89). Results in 3 to 5 working days, with a GP report included.
Key facts
- Price: £49 home finger-prick kit, £69 in clinic, £89 nurse home visit
- Measures: HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin), reported in mmol/mol
- Three ways to take it: a finger-prick test kit posted to your home; a venous blood draw at one of 250+ UK clinics; or a nurse who visits your home to take the sample
- Results: 3 to 5 working days from your sample reaching the laboratory
- Fasting: not required
- You receive: your result with the reference range and a GP report explaining what it means
Your questions answered
What is the blood test for diabetes called?
The blood test for diabetes is called an HbA1c test, sometimes written as haemoglobin A1c or glycated haemoglobin. Glucose in the blood attaches to haemoglobin in red blood cells, and because those cells live for around three months, the amount attached shows your average blood sugar over that period rather than on the day of the test. It is the test the NHS uses to diagnose type 2 diabetes.
How much does an HbA1c test cost?
An HbA1c blood test costs from £49 at Goodbody Clinic. The home finger-prick kit is £49, a blood draw at one of our clinics is £69, and a nurse visiting your home to take the sample is £89. Every option includes the laboratory analysis and a GP report.
Where can I get a diabetes test near me?
You have three options. Visit one of Goodbody's 250+ partner clinics across the UK, usually with an appointment within a few days; book a nurse to come to your home and take the sample; or order the finger-prick kit and do it yourself at home. You do not need a GP referral for any of them. Find your nearest clinic.
Can I test for diabetes at home?
Yes. The home kit contains everything needed to take a small finger-prick blood sample, which you post back to the laboratory in the prepaid packaging provided. It is the same HbA1c analysis as the clinic test, with the same GP report. If you would rather not take your own sample, a nurse can visit you at home instead.
Do I need to fast before an HbA1c test?
No. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the previous weeks, so what you ate this morning does not change the result. You can book any time of day and eat and drink normally beforehand.
What is the best time of day for an HbA1c test?
Any time. HbA1c is not affected by when you last ate or the time of day, so morning and afternoon appointments give the same result. You can drink water, tea or coffee beforehand and take your usual medication.
What do HbA1c results mean?
The NHS uses these thresholds for adults who are not already diagnosed with diabetes:
| HbA1c result | What it indicates |
|---|---|
| Below 42 mmol/mol | Normal |
| 42 to 47 mmol/mol | Pre-diabetes (higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes) |
| 48 mmol/mol or above | In the diabetes range; the NHS normally repeats the test to confirm |
If you already have diabetes, your care team will have agreed a personal target with you, often 48 or 53 mmol/mol. Your GP report will explain where your result sits and what to do next. Source: NHS, type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
What should my HbA1c be for my age?
The NHS thresholds are the same at every age: below 42 mmol/mol is normal, 42 to 47 is pre-diabetes and 48 or above is in the diabetes range. Age does not change the diagnostic cut-offs. What can change with age is the personal target agreed for someone who already has diabetes, which a GP may set a little higher for older adults or people with other conditions to avoid low blood sugar.
Is there a different normal HbA1c range for women?
No. The reference range is the same for women and men. Pregnancy is the exception: HbA1c is not used to diagnose gestational diabetes, which is tested with a glucose tolerance test instead.
What HbA1c confirms diabetes?
48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above. If you have no symptoms the NHS repeats the test to confirm before diagnosing; with symptoms one result is enough. A result of 42 to 47 mmol/mol (6.0% to 6.4%) is classed as pre-diabetes, sometimes called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
How do HbA1c results in mmol/mol convert to percent?
UK results are given in mmol/mol; older results and many websites use percentages. The common points are:
| mmol/mol | % |
|---|---|
| 42 | 6.0 |
| 48 | 6.5 |
| 53 | 7.0 |
| 58 | 7.5 |
| 64 | 8.0 |
| 75 | 9.0 |
| 86 | 10.0 |
How can I lower my HbA1c?
Weight loss, regular activity, fewer refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks, and better sleep all lower HbA1c over two to three months, which is why a repeat test after three months shows whether changes are working. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is free for people with a pre-diabetes result; ask your GP for a referral.
What happens next
Your result and GP report are emailed to you as soon as the laboratory has finished, normally within 3 to 5 working days. If your HbA1c is in the pre-diabetes or diabetes range, the report will say so clearly and set out what to do, including taking the result to your own GP, who can confirm the diagnosis and arrange care. All samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
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Book online, receive your kit and take to your local Goodbody clinic.
Send it back…
Send your sample in the post to be analysed at an accredited laboratory.
Get results.
Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory, with guidance from our support team.
Available testing locations for Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test
Aberdeen Clinic GCI Advanced Aesthetics
Abergavenny Clinic Amatsu Centre
Airdrie Clinic Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy
Aldershot Clinic Wellington Pharmacy
Alton Clinic Four Marks Pharmacy
Andover Clinic Dr Malaika Clinics
Anniesland Clinic Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy
Arlesey Clinic Waterloo Farm Wellness
Armadale Clinic Dears Pharmacy
Ascot Clinic Ascot Pharmacy
AshbyDeLaZouch Clinic Aeternum Aesthetics
Ashford Clinic Breakspear Pharmacy
Aveley Clinic Doctor B Aesthetics
Aylesbury Clinic Aura Body Clinic
Aylesbury Clinic Pearlfect Care Pharmacy
Aylsham Clinic North Norfolk Ear & Skin Care
Ballingry Clinic
Barnet Clinic Co Wellbeing
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More Information
How our blood tests work
Have your blood taken in-clinic by one of our skilled phlebotomists and check multiple biomarkers in one go. Many of our tests can also be done in the comfort of your own home with one of our easy-to-use test kits.
Testing
Take a test, either in the comfort of your own home, with a nurse visit, or at one of our clinics nationwide.
Analysis
Your sample is analysed in the clinic, laboratory or using your home test equipment.
Results
Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory.
Not sure if this test
is right for you?
Enquire via the form and a member of our team will get back to you, they are more than happy to help answer your questions and talk through the best option for you.
Contact us if you aren't sure, we'd be happy to help!
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Experts you can trust
Meet our Goodbody Experts
Our team of professionals has decades of experience so you can be sure you’re getting the best tests and support to understand and improve your health.
Get in touch with Our Team
Dr Lebeth Jacob
BSc (Hons) MBChB
Registered GP & Lead Medical Advisor
Dr Alexandre Akoulitchev
MA, PhD, FRSM
Clinical Support Advisor
Dr Cheng Boon
MBCHB, MRCP, FRCR
Consultant Oncologist
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