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HbA1c cancelled due to reagent shortage?

LittleGreyCat said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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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