HbA1c cancelled due to reagent shortage?

LittleGreyCat

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
4,380
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Diet drinks - the artificial sweeteners taste vile.
Having to forswear foods I have loved all my life.
Trying to find low carb meals when eating out.

Goonergal

Master
Retired Moderator
Messages
13,461
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I've just had my annual blood test (HbA1c and various other things) cancelled until further notice because the lab they use has run out of the chemicals they need to process the blood sample.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...ests-treatments-biomedical-body-idUKKBN26S1I6
might go some way to explaining it.

Has anyone else had a test cancelled recently?

Not had a test cancelled but one of the nurses at my surgery mentioned to me that there’s a similar issue here so only urgent blood tests are being done.
 

Fairygodmother

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,173
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Bigotry, reliance on unsupported 'facts', unkindness, unfairness.
It’s all a bit worrying - double, or triple whammy! I did have an HbA1c in September ahead of the annual Consultant appointment, but I usually have one every six months too for the DN. I hope the Roche blip is fixed and everything gets back on track, but the anxiety and uncertainties of Brexit are enough for a collective raising of blood sugars. The only solution is to escape to a good book and the great outdoors.
 

CDNdiabetic

Newbie
Messages
1
There is an available home testing device for A1c%. It is accredited in Canada and the US, but I am not sure if it is available in the UK, but probably worth a search. Inexpensive, very easy to use and accurate. My tests are within 0.4% when tested by me against an accredited lab. Ther is also a mathematical relationship between average daily readings on your Glucose meter and A1c%. You can create a spreadsheet, enter your regular glucose readings and keep a running tally on your "estimated" A1c. Also quite accurate. Reply back if you need any more info. I didn't go into detail because I don't know if this site objects to listing names of diabetes device manufacturers, web links, or maths formulas. Some sites block those things. Good luck !
 
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