Rapid HbA1c Blood Test in Sunderland

Whether you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or actively managing your health through diet, lifestyle changes, or weight-loss medication, the HbA1c test provides a critical 2–3 month average of your blood glucose control.

This test is available for £50 at Veritas Pharmacy (SR4 7HG).

Harley Diagnostics

Benefits of Monitoring Your HbA1c Levels

The HbA1c test measures the long-term glucose attached to your red blood cells, making it one of the most reliable ways to assess your blood sugar control. This proactive approach is essential for preventing diabetes complications and ensuring treatment efficacy.

Early Pre-Diabetes Detection

Identify elevated blood sugar levels before they progress into Type 2 Diabetes.

Assess Lifestyle Impact

Provides a clear metric to see if diet, exercise, or weight loss efforts are effectively lowering your sugar average.

Reduce Complications

Helps those with diabetes monitor control, significantly reducing the long-term risk of nerve damage, kidney issues, and heart disease.

Optimise Treatment

Gives doctors a benchmark to adjust medication dosages and treatment plans for existing diabetic patients.

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What Are the Symptoms of Poor Blood Sugar Control?

Symptoms of elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia) often develop slowly and can be easily overlooked. A test is recommended if you experience any of the following:

1 Persistent Thirst

Feeling excessively thirsty, known as polydipsia.

2 Frequent Urination

Needing to urinate often, especially at night (polyuria).

3 Chronic Fatigue

A feeling of persistent exhaustion that is not relieved by rest.

4 Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying, as the body struggles to use glucose for energy.

5 Blurred Vision

Fluctuating glucose levels can cause temporary changes in the lens of the eye.

6 Slow Healing Sores

Cuts and bruises that take an unusually long time to heal.

How it works

How Does the Rapid HbA1c Test Work in Sunderland?

Our rapid test is a simple and efficient way to check your Glycated Haemoglobin levels. The process involves a quick and easy finger-prick blood test.

Overview

What does the test look for?

The test measures the percentage of your haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) that has sugar attached to it. This is called Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c). This result provides a reliable average of your blood glucose concentration over the lifespan of the red blood cell (approximately 2–3 months). This is a quantitative test that indicates your HbA1c level in millimoles per mole (mmol/mol).

Harley Diagnostic

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Visit at Veritas Pharmacy.

Your appointment is designed to be quick and straightforward. You will meet with a trained professional who will guide you through the process.

1 Consultation

Your details will be confirmed by a member of the team performing the test.

2 Blood Collection

The professional will perform a simple and minimally invasive finger-prick to collect a small blood sample.

3 Rapid Analysis

The blood sample is analysed on-site using a special test card and a test analysing machine.

4 Results

You will receive your results in just 15 minutes, allowing for rapid insight into your blood glucose status.

5 Advice

The clinic can also provide advice on lifestyle or refer you to your GP, if necessary.

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What do your HbA1c test results mean?

The rapid HbA1c test provides a quantitative result showing your long-term average blood sugar levels (mmol/mol), providing a timely health insight and allowing you to proactively take necessary actions to optimise your glucose control and overall health.

HbA1c Level (nmol/mol) & %	Classification	What do your results indicate?
Below 42 nmol/mol (6%)	Normal	HbA1c levels below 42 nmol/mol indicate that the blood sugar levels are typically well controlled. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise habits. Annual testing is recommended for monitoring.
Between 42 and 47 nmol/mol (6% and 6.4%)	Prediabetic	Indicates an increased risk of developing diabetes. Making positive lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) is crucial to reducing this risk. Consult your clinician for advice. Retest in 6–8 months is recommended to monitor progress.
48 nmol/mol or over (over 6.4%)	Diabetic	Levels over 48 nmol/mol indicate diabetes. See your doctor promptly for further assessment and investigations.

Please be aware that different laboratories, manufacturers, and providers may use slightly different reference ranges. The reference ranges provided on this page are for general guidance only and represent commonly accepted clinical thresholds.

This rapid blood test is designed solely as an initial screening tool for triage and is not a substitute for a full lab-based venous blood draw. The results offer quantitative insights but are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a medical diagnosis. Any abnormal or significant result must be followed up with a medical assessment with your doctor and potential confirmatory lab-based testing.

Harley Diagnostic

Other Available Rapid Blood Tests

AMH - Ovarian Reserves

£50.00

Beta hCG Test

£50.00

CRP - Inflammation Marker

£50.00

Ferritin ( Iron Levels )

£50.00

HbA1c - Diabetes

£50.00

hs-CRP - Heart Risk Screen

£50.00

Progesterone - Ovulation

£50.00

RF - Rheumatoid Factor

£50.00

Vitamin D Test

£50.00

HELP & SUPPORT

Check Out Our Frequently Asked Questions!

Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers. Check our FAQs section for common queries or contact our team.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) is a marker that shows the average amount of glucose in your blood over the previous 2–3 months. It provides a stable, long-term picture of your blood sugar health.

What is the difference between HbA1c and a finger-prick glucose test?

A finger-prick glucose test measures your blood sugar at the exact moment of testing (like a speedometer). The HbA1c test measures the average sugar exposure over the last few months (like an odometer), making it a much better tool for screening and monitoring diabetes control.

What steps can be taken if my result is in the pre-diabetes range?

If your rapid test indicates pre-diabetes, you should consult with a healthcare professional. They will typically recommend significant lifestyle changes, including: Dietary changes: Focusing on low-glycemic foods, managing carbohydrate intake, and avoiding processed sugars. Exercise: Increasing physical activity levels to improve insulin sensitivity. Weight Management: Losing 5% to 10% of body weight can often reverse pre-diabetes.

Who should consider getting a rapid HbA1c test?

Anyone aged 18 years or over can take this test. It is highly recommended for people who have risk factors, such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, having high blood pressure, or experiencing symptoms like persistent thirst or fatigue.

Does the test require any special preparation, like fasting?

No, the test is a simple finger-prick blood test that does not require you to fast.

Is the test suitable for children?

The service is primarily for adults; therefore, we can only offer this test to those aged 18 years and over. Please consult with your GP if you are aged below 18 years old.

What is the significance of a high HbA1c result?

A high result (48mmol/mol or higher) is a strong indicator of diabetes and requires immediate follow-up with a doctor. Untreated high blood sugar can lead to serious long-term complications affecting the heart, nerves, eyes, and kidneys.