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Where to get HbA1c test done - but not GP

J

juddy

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9
Hi,

How can I get a HbA1c test done ? without going to my GP.

I cannot find any "Home Test" kits anymore in the UK.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks.
 
The local diabetes centre if you can get a referral there? May I ask why you do not want it done at GPs? Is it because you suspect it may be high and fear going on to meds/insulin?
 
Bayer makes one such device (A1c Now), but apparently don't sell it in the UK (perhaps unsurprisingly since Bayer has zero shelf space in UK pharmacies). Your best bet is probably to ask your pharmacy if they can order a device like this. Caveat
 
I am sure I saw an in-store pharmacy advertising that they could perform HBA!C tests for patients. Will check it again and report back.
 
juddy said:
Hi,

How can I get a HbA1c test done ? without going to my GP.

I cannot find any "Home Test" kits anymore in the UK.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

The only affordable HbA1c private test I have come across, in the UK, after some extensive research, is with Myrios co uk. Cost £23.50. I have not used them but it would appear as though you order a test kit online, provide a small blood sample and then take it to a participating pharmacy near you who will submit it to the lab. I dont why it has to go through a pharmacy but thats the procedure according to their web site.
A company I have used recently is Blue Horizon Medicals. Their HbA1c test is quite expensive but they are good for comprehensive blood tests and sometimes have special offers.
The Bayer A1cNow home test kit is not sold in single packs in the UK for some unfathomable reason. People in the USA can buy it off the pharmacy shelf there for less than £20 per 2 test pack. Luckily I get my cousin to send me a pack once a year because I'm not satisfied (amongst many other things) with the frequency of testing on the NHS.
 
Wow - thanks for all of the replies !

I can easily go to my GP and get one done - the last HbA1c was 11, yes 11......however, I have been low carbing and exercising (Either that or on to insulin!) and i think my HbA1c should now be much better.

My Average blood sugars are 4.8 (Testing 5-6 times per day for last 2.5months) - buying mostly my own strips.

My doctors words to me the last time were "Not a chance - off for insulin, I'll refer you".....I want to prove him wrong but need the evidence before I go for the clinic HbA1c.

I appreciate all of the help - I'll keep you posted.

Thanks.
 
....quicky update, bought a Myrios from local chemist - took the sample (Lots of finger squeezing!) - posted yesterday as well - really interested in knowing the result within 7 days (Not particularly fast result but probably about the same as my GP)

Not sure why they cannot email the result ?

I do not intend doing this every time - but want to go to my GP safe in the knowledge......! Also it's just a personal thing to know if all the hard work is paying off.

Many thanks !
 
juddy said:
I can easily go to my GP and get one done - the last HbA1c was 11, yes 11......however, I have been low carbing and exercising (Either that or on to insulin!) and i think my HbA1c should now be much better.

My Average blood sugars are 4.8 (Testing 5-6 times per day for last 2.5months) - buying mostly my own strips.
Click to expand...

WoW! Great result. Is that a guess, or an actual average? If so, I have no doubt your HbA1c will be much lower, and I'd have a fiver at Ladbrokes that it's below 6.5% which I believe is the level NICE set now (although no-one seems to know for sure!) Wouldn't be suprised if you were in the 5 club.
Well done and good luck!
 
Thanks for the support - everything is crossed that my HbA1c is low - got to be lower than 11 !

I use an android app on my phone, called OnTrack to log all my blood glucose levels (and weight - I've lost two stone over the 2.5months) - the app shows my average - got lots of test strips from ebay and doing 5-6 times a day - sometimes loads more as I try to figure out what foods affect me.

I'll let you know my HbA1c as soon as I get it - then I have to continue - hopefully not losing too much more weight !

If the result is very good, then I need to start managing my carb intake as now I am running things really very tight and often have to "boost" my glucose levels prior to going to bed (Approx readings of 3 to 3.5 prior to bed time - don't want to risk the hypos that I had when I first started.

All the best !
 
Hi,

For anyone interested - got my HbA1c result today......

Previous one 12 weeks ago = 11

One received back today (3 days after sending to Myrios) = 5.5

I was hoping for better but guess I should not be dissapointed.

Keeping on with the low carbs - off to see the docs now - confident my next test will be good - strange to some that I have done this but that's how it is !

Myrios tests appear to be quick and efficient - will be interested in seeing how the NHS one compares next week.

Thanks !
 
Congratulations!

You never know, the NHS may use the Myrios lab too!!

And of course you can reward yourself. Have one square piece of chocolate as a treat. No more otherwise it could go up to 5.6

juddy said:
Thank you - just got to keep it up....feel like treating myself but know I can't !
Click to expand...
juddy said:
Hi,

For anyone interested - got my HbA1c result today......

Previous one 12 weeks ago = 11

One received back today (3 days after sending to Myrios) = 5.5

I was hoping for better but guess I should not be dissapointed.

Keeping on with the low carbs - off to see the docs now - confident my next test will be good - strange to some that I have done this but that's how it is !

Myrios tests appear to be quick and efficient - will be interested in seeing how the NHS one compares next week.

Thanks !
Click to expand...
 
Myrios say in their literature that they do testing for GP's and hospitals so my next test (Monday 1st October) - may well go to them. It better be 5.5 or better !

I am going to try a bit of the really dark charcolate - - will try not to slip off the wagon!!

Is it me or when you come off loads of sugar - everything starts smelling really sweet ?
 
AMBrennan said:
Bayer makes one such device (A1c Now), but apparently don't sell it in the UK (perhaps unsurprisingly since Bayer has zero shelf space in UK pharmacies). Your best bet is probably to ask your pharmacy if they can order a device like this. Caveat
Click to expand...

I'm bring them back from the US whenever I go (which is often). To be honest, I'm not sure how much I trust them.

As an alternative you can get a Glucomen A1c postal testing kit (which is also rather unreliable in my experience)

See my review here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25624
 
Glucomen no longer do the tests - I called them before trying Myrios.

Ann, I will see how the GP test compares - but can't wait for his response - maybe get some more testing sticks out of it !
 
I think your GP is more likely to use your result as an excuse to say you dont need testing or strips anymore!

juddy said:
Glucomen no longer do the tests - I called them before trying Myrios.

Ann, I will see how the GP test compares - but can't wait for his response - maybe get some more testing sticks out of it !
Click to expand...
 
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