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HbA1C test - waiting times

S

sltrog

Member
Messages
9
Location
England
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Hello.
I'm new to the sit, so sorry if I ask the obvious.
Does anyone know how long the waiting times are to get referred for the test. I had one five years ago and I seem to think it took around four months from referral to diagnosis.
I'm only asking as I hope to start a new job soon, and after the disaster of all the hospital appointments etc with the last job I don't want to be in that position again. I have enough of a list of ailments without adding more appointments to the list.
 
Hello sltrog. It depends on your doctor: you could request a HbA1c and if you're lucky get an appointment for a blood sample within days; your GP will probably get the result the same day, but probably best to have an appointment to discuss it a few days afterwards. That's just my experience, and your doctor will have to be convinced that you need one before he'll pay for it. Every GP and hospital are different.


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If you have been formally diagnosed as a diabetic then you should expect an HBa1C test at least once a year. If this is not happening then your GP, DN etc is not carrying out correct procedure and you should discuss this. As part of the annual HBa1C you should have a retinopathy, foot nerve check etc. The Diabetes UK website lists all the things you should expect which I think is around 14 things. The HBa1C blood sample can be taken by a phlebotomist at your surgery or hospital and the results should be back within a week max and often quicker; it is not a fasting test so can be done any time of the day.
 
Maybe also worth a quick phone call to your hospital to see whether they do a fingerstick hba1c. Mine does, so I dont have to take time out to go to gp unless I'm needing cholesterol etc done as well..
 
I just book in every 3mths with the practice nurse for mine.
 
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