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Measures HbA1c to estimate average blood glucose levels over the previous 2–3 months.
Used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and to identify pre-diabetes (impaired glucose regulation).
Early identification supports timely lifestyle changes and appropriate medical management to reduce the risk
of long-term complications.
Laboratory Processing: Simple, accurate blood test analysed in a UK laboratory with professional support
available if required.
Turnaround Time: Results are usually available the next working day, depending on the time the sample is
taken and received by the laboratory. Timeframes are indicative and may vary according to processing and
validation requirements.
If you can’t find the test you’re looking for, simply give us a call and our support team will guide you to the right option. We’re here to ensure you get the correct test quickly and confidently.
A single blood glucose reading can change from hour to hour. The HbA1c blood test looks back instead: it estimates your average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 months, which is why it is used to check for pre-diabetes and diabetes, and to monitor diabetes over time.
Glucose in your blood sticks to haemoglobin, the protein inside your red blood cells. Red blood cells live for around three months, so measuring how much haemoglobin has glucose attached gives a picture of your average blood sugar over that period, rather than on the morning of your test.
Because it reflects a longer period, HbA1c is less affected by what you ate the day before than a single glucose reading.
HbA1c is reported in mmol/mol, sometimes with a percentage alongside it. These are the bands commonly used in UK guidance for adults who do not already have diabetes:
Within the range usually seen in people without diabetes.
Often called pre-diabetes. Lifestyle changes at this stage can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
May indicate diabetes. A diagnosis needs a clinician, who will usually confirm it with a repeat test.
Your report shows the laboratory’s own reference range. One result is not a diagnosis on its own, so share it with your GP. If you already have diabetes, your target HbA1c is agreed with your diabetes team.
HbA1c can be less reliable, or not the recommended test, in some situations. Your GP may use a different glucose test if:
If you are very thirsty, passing urine much more often, losing weight without trying or feeling unusually tired, contact your GP promptly. You can also call NHS 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you are being sick, very drowsy or confused, breathing fast or deeply, or have breath that smells fruity.
HbA1c stands for glycated haemoglobin. The test measures how much glucose is attached to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells, which gives an estimate of your average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 months.
You don’t usually need to fast for an HbA1c test, because it reflects your average over several months rather than your blood sugar at that moment. If you are booking other tests at the same time, check whether any of them need fasting.
The Diabetes (HbA1c) Blood Test is £45. Your total, including the visit type you choose, is shown before you pay.
Results are usually available the next working day, depending on the time the sample is taken and received by the laboratory. Timeframes are indicative and may vary according to processing and validation requirements.
For adults without diabetes, UK guidance commonly uses below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) as the usual range, 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) as higher risk, often called pre-diabetes, and 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above as possible diabetes. Your report shows the laboratory’s reference range, and your GP can explain what your result means for you.
HbA1c is one of the tests used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and to identify pre-diabetes, but a diagnosis is made by a clinician. If you don’t have symptoms, a raised result is usually confirmed with a repeat test before diabetes is diagnosed.
Share your result with your GP, who can confirm it, look at it alongside your health and history, and discuss next steps. If your result is in the higher-risk range, your GP may suggest lifestyle support and regular rechecks.
Because HbA1c reflects around three months, rechecking much sooner than that usually adds little. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, follow the timing your GP or diabetes team recommends.
In the Visit Type options in the booking panel you can choose a Clinic Visit, a Home Visit (Essex only) or Kit Only (Venous Blood Collection). Use the clinic finder to see your nearest Swift clinic.
Looking for a wider check-up? See our Men’s Health MOT and Women’s Health MOT.
£45 · Clinic, home visit (Essex) or kit · Questions? Call 01277 652067
Read All Our Google ReviewsGreat service. I’m not the best with needles, however, Jo made me feel comfortable and at ease which made the whole process much more tolerable. 5 stars from me.
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