HbA1c blood test
An HbA1c blood test measures your average blood glucose control over the last 3 months — so you can check your overall diabetes risk.
£46.00
Every 3 monthsTest arrives in 1-2 days • Results in 48 hours
Ways to take your sample
- Free delivery
- Test arrives in 1-2 working days
We accept
What can a HbA1c blood test tell you?
By checking your HbA1c levels regularly, you can understand your risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes tends to affect men earlier in their lives than women. But women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to increased insulin resistance.
This test might also be helpful if:
- you're over the age of 45 — your risk of diabetes increases with age
- you've had gestational diabetes in the past
- if you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- have other medical conditions — like heart disease, high blood pressure, PCOS, or high cholesterol
- you're carrying excess weight
- you're physically inactive
Find out how to manage your HbA1c levels with evidence-based advice from our GPs in a detailed report.
What's covered in this blood test?
HbA1c (diabetes risk)
Learn more
HbA1c refers to glycated haemoglobin. When the glucose (sugar) in your blood rises, it binds to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Red blood cells live for about 3 months, so an HbA1c test measures your average blood glucose levels over the last few months.
Collection method
Your test kit contains everything you need to collect your sample at home. Our instructions will guide you through it.
How it works
Do your test
Your kit arrives in 1-2 days. Find out how to collect your sample at home. You’ll need to fill 1 tube for this test — around 10 drops of blood.
Get results in 48 hours
Free post your sample to our lab and get your results in 48 hours. Access your GP-reviewed report in your results dashboard.
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Is an HbA1c blood test suitable for you?
An HbA1c test won’t tell you how high your blood sugar is. But it can tell you if your blood sugar has been high over the last 3 months. Some conditions can cause fluctuations in your HbA1c levels.
A doctor won't use this type of test if diagnosing diabetes. This includes if you:
- are pregnant or gave birth in the last 2 months
- have only been experiencing diabetes symptoms for 2 months — like frequent urination or excessive thirst
- take medication that can affect your blood sugar levels — like long-term steroid treatment and some antibiotics
- are currently acutely ill (a sudden and severe sickness)
- have pancreatic problems
- have end-stage kidney disease
- are HIV positive
What’s a normal range for HbA1c?
The ranges for HbA1c levels are defined as:
- normal range = below 42 mmol/mol
- prediabetes = 42-47 mmol/mol
- indicates diabetes = 48 mmol or over
How does your subscription work?
Your HbA1c blood test arrives every 3 months. You can change your subscription and how often you’d like a test on your account dashboard. We’ll remind you that payment is due 3 days before your kit arrives. And you can pause, change, or cancel at any time.
Data protection
Your data is in safe hands. We use the latest encryption technologies and take our Data Protection obligations seriously.
What's included in your home testing kit?
Your Thriva test kit includes:
- collection tube(s)
- plaster x 2
- return form x 1
- alcohol swab x 1
- lancet x 3
- prepaid envelope x 1
- cleansing wipe x 1
- collection tube label(s)
- protective plastic case x 1
When's the best time to do an HbA1c test?
We recommend doing your HbA1c test in the morning — between 8 and 10 am if possible. You don't need to fast beforehand.
How to collect your sample at home
Learn how to collect your finger-prick blood sample at home by following our instructions. You can access these on the app too. It takes around 30 minutes to complete the process at home.
Will a GP write your report?
Our doctors review your blood test results and upload a detailed report to your account dashboard. They also give you advice to help support your health or manage an existing condition.
How long does it take to get your results?
Understanding your health should be quick and easy. That’s why our doctors share your results within 48 hours. And you can access your data at any time.
