Monitor your blood sugar with a professional HbA1c venous blood test at home. No fasting required, no GP referral needed, results in one to three working days.
Find a Phlebotomist →The HbA1c test is the primary blood marker for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring. Additional markers may be requested by your doctor.
| Marker | What It Shows | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Average blood sugar over 2-3 months | Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) |
| Fasting Glucose | Blood sugar after an overnight fast | 3.9 - 5.5 mmol/L |
| Fasting Insulin | Insulin resistance indicator | 2.6 - 24.9 mIU/L |
Regular HbA1c monitoring every 3-6 months is essential for managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes effectively.
If your HbA1c is between 42-47 mmol/mol, regular testing tracks whether lifestyle changes are working.
Having a close relative with type 2 diabetes increases your risk. Screening can catch it early.
Excess weight is the single biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Regular screening is recommended.
Enter your postcode, choose a time slot, and select the HbA1c diabetes test. No GP referral required.
A DBS-checked mobile phlebotomist arrives at your home with all sterile equipment. The venous blood draw takes under 10 minutes.
Your sample is dispatched to an accredited laboratory the same day. Results are typically available within one to three working days.
No fasting is required for an HbA1c test — eat and drink normally.
If fasting glucose is also requested, fast for 8-12 hours (water is fine).
Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
Wear a short-sleeved top or a sleeve that rolls up easily.
Have your test request form or GP details ready for the phlebotomist.
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It is the gold standard test for diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes. Unlike a fasting glucose test, HbA1c does not require you to fast and gives a longer-term picture of blood sugar control.
No. The HbA1c test does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has also requested a fasting glucose or insulin test, you will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Your phlebotomist will confirm any preparation requirements when you book.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, the NHS recommends HbA1c testing every three to six months. If you are at risk of diabetes or monitoring pre-diabetes, your GP may suggest testing once or twice a year. Home blood tests make regular monitoring far more convenient.
An HbA1c result of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above is the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. However, a diagnosis should always be confirmed by a qualified clinician. Your results will be sent to your GP or the requesting doctor for clinical interpretation and follow-up.
A finger-prick glucose test measures your blood sugar at a single point in time and can fluctuate throughout the day. HbA1c measures your average blood sugar over two to three months, providing a much more reliable picture of overall glucose control. Venous HbA1c collected by a phlebotomist is also more accurate than finger-prick HbA1c kits.
Find a DBS-checked phlebotomist near you. Most bookings confirmed in under two minutes.
Find a Phlebotomist →Related reading: Understanding Your HbA1c Test Results