Diabetes - Diagnosis and Monitoring (HbA1c) in store/home (self administered)

The Diabetes HbA1c Test is a single-marker blood test measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), which reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months, available from Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• Adults who want to check whether they may have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, which often causes no symptoms for years
• People with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, being overweight, or a history of high blood sugar in pregnancy
• People already diagnosed with diabetes who want an extra check on how well their blood sugar is controlled

Not suitable for: people with symptoms of very high blood sugar such as extreme thirst, passing a lot of urine, rapid weight loss or feeling very unwell (seek urgent medical care); use as a substitute for diagnosis and monitoring by your GP or diabetes team.

What is measured

• HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) — the proportion of haemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached. Because red blood cells live for around three months, HbA1c shows your average blood sugar level over that time rather than a single moment.

How it works

1. Complete payment online and choose your option: an appointment at Holborn London, or an at-home self-collection kit posted to you.
2. For in-store, attend Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, where a trained phlebotomist takes a blood sample. For at-home, follow the kit instructions to collect a finger-prick sample and return it in the prepaid packaging.
3. Your sample is sent for analysis.
4. You receive a written report with your result against the reference range, typically within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample.
5. A pharmacist can talk you through the result and, where appropriate, recommend GP follow-up.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before an HbA1c test?

No. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past few months, so you can eat and drink as normal before your sample.

How long do results take?

Results are typically returned 3 to 5 working days after your sample is received. You will receive a written report showing your HbA1c against the reference range.

What if my HbA1c is raised?

A single result does not diagnose diabetes on its own. The pharmacist will explain what your level means and recommend that you see your GP, who can confirm the result and agree any next steps.

I already have diabetes. Can I use this test?

Yes, as an extra check between your routine reviews. It does not replace the monitoring arranged by your GP or diabetes team, and you should not change your treatment based on this result without speaking to them.

When to seek further advice

This test does not diagnose a condition. Discuss your results with a clinician, and if a result is raised, follow it up with your GP. Seek urgent medical care if you have extreme thirst, are passing a lot of urine, are losing weight quickly or feel very unwell.

This is a private health screening service. Results are interpretive and do not replace clinical diagnosis by a GP or specialist. Abnormal results should be followed up with your GP.