At home metabolic health blood test
HbA1c and Metabolic Health Blood Test Kit UK
A broad 17 biomarker blood test covering HbA1c, liver enzymes, kidney related markers, cholesterol, thyroid stimulating hormone, iron, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D.
This at home capillary blood test provides a combined view of selected markers linked with blood sugar, cardiovascular health, metabolism, liver cell enzymes, kidney filtration, thyroid regulation and nutritional status.
This test does not provide a complete full body health assessment. It does not include a full blood count, a complete liver function profile or all thyroid hormones. Results cannot replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
What this test measures
The panel combines HbA1c with selected lipid, liver enzyme, kidney, thyroid and nutritional markers. It may help identify patterns worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
| Health area | Biomarkers included | What they may help show |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar | HbA1c | Average blood glucose exposure over approximately two to three months and possible prediabetes or diabetes range results. |
| Liver enzymes | ALT and AST | Enzyme patterns that may rise with liver cell or other tissue injury. This is not a complete liver function profile. |
| Kidney related markers | Urea and creatinine | Waste products commonly considered when reviewing kidney filtration, hydration and related health factors. |
| Cholesterol and heart health | Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, non HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, cholesterol to HDL ratio and triglyceride to HDL ratio | A broad lipid profile used with other factors when assessing cardiovascular and metabolic risk. |
| Thyroid | TSH | A screening marker for thyroid regulation. An abnormal result may require free T4 and other thyroid tests. |
| Nutrition | Iron, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D | Selected nutritional markers relevant to red blood cells, nerves, bones, muscles and general wellbeing. |
Who may consider this test
This test may be considered by adults who would like to review selected markers relevant to:
- Blood sugar and possible type 2 diabetes risk
- Cholesterol and cardiovascular health
- Selected liver enzyme results
- Kidney related waste products
- Possible thyroid related symptoms
- Iron, vitamin B12, folate or vitamin D concerns
- Persistent tiredness or changes in weight
- General metabolic health monitoring
These biomarkers do not explain every possible cause of tiredness, weight change or poor health. A clinician may recommend a physical examination, urine testing, a full blood count, additional liver tests, free T4 or other investigations.
How the test works
Collect your sample
Use the supplied equipment to collect capillary blood into the microtainer.
Return it for analysis
Package and return the sample according to the instructions provided.
Review your results
Read each result with the laboratory reference interval and discuss abnormal findings with a clinician.
Preparing for your test
| Preparation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Fasting | Follow the kit instructions. You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours because triglycerides and some cholesterol measurements can be affected by recent food. |
| Alcohol and meals | Avoid excess alcohol and heavy or fatty meals before collection because they may affect triglycerides and liver enzymes. |
| Exercise | Strenuous exercise may temporarily affect AST, ALT and creatinine. Follow any activity guidance supplied with the kit. |
| Medicines | Do not stop prescribed medicines unless a doctor or qualified prescriber advises you to do so. |
| Biotin | Biotin, vitamin B7, can interfere with some thyroid tests. Ask your doctor whether it should be paused. |
| Supplements | Tell the provider about iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and other supplements. |
| Recent illness | Recent illness may affect thyroid, liver and other results. Ask a clinician whether testing should be delayed. |
Understanding the colour coded result tables
The colours make the interpretation tables easier to scan. Always use the written status and guidance rather than colour alone.
Reference intervals vary by laboratory method, units, age, sex and clinical circumstances. The interval printed on your individual report takes priority.
Biomarkers and result interpretation
Select each biomarker to read what it measures, relevant preparation guidance and the meaning of low, normal, high and critical results.
Urea
Urea is a waste product formed when the body processes protein. It is produced through processes involving the liver and removed from the blood mainly by the kidneys. It also contributes to fluid and electrolyte balance.
Urea can be influenced by kidney function, liver function, hydration, diet, protein intake, medicines and other medical conditions. People with a history of kidney or liver disease should discuss monitoring with their doctor.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | A very low result may be associated with severe liver dysfunction, poor nutrition, excess fluid intake or another medical condition. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. | Arrange prompt medical review. |
| Low | Low urea is uncommon. Possible causes include liver disease, poor nutrition, low protein intake, excess hydration and other medical conditions. | Discuss the result with your GP. |
| Normal | The result falls within the laboratory reference interval and is generally reassuring. | Consider it with creatinine, hydration, symptoms and medical history. |
| High | High urea may occur with kidney disease, dehydration, increased protein breakdown, high protein intake, gastrointestinal bleeding or certain medicines. Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness and reduced appetite. | Discuss the result with your GP as soon as possible. |
| Critical high | A very high result may be associated with significant dehydration or severely reduced kidney function. Severe cases may be accompanied by confusion or drowsiness. | Seek urgent medical advice. |
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol is commonly called LDL cholesterol. It transports cholesterol through the bloodstream. Raised levels may contribute to plaque within the arteries and increase cardiovascular risk.
Diet, activity, weight, smoking, genetics, thyroid health, diabetes and medicines can all affect LDL.
Follow the kit instructions. You may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours before collection so the lipid profile can be interpreted consistently.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Very low LDL is uncommon. It may reflect medicines, genetics, poor nutrition or an underlying medical condition. | Arrange a medical review if the result is unexpected. |
| Low | Low LDL may be influenced by diet, activity, genetics or medicines such as statins. It is generally favourable in relation to cardiovascular risk. | Consider it with the complete cardiovascular profile. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and is generally reassuring. | Remember that blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, age and family history also affect risk. |
| Borderline high | A borderline high result may contribute to cardiovascular risk over time. | Discuss it with your GP and consider appropriate lifestyle changes. |
| High | High LDL can contribute to plaque within the arteries and may be associated with diet, genetics, limited activity, diabetes or thyroid conditions. | See your GP for a cardiovascular risk review. |
| Critical high | Very high LDL may substantially increase cardiovascular risk and may suggest an inherited cholesterol condition. | Arrange prompt medical assessment. |
Total cholesterol
Cholesterol is needed for cell structure, hormone production and the absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins. Raised levels of some cholesterol particles may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Total cholesterol should be considered with LDL, HDL, non HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, cholesterol ratios and personal risk factors.
Follow the test instructions. You may be advised to fast for 9 to 12 hours before collection.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Very low total cholesterol is uncommon and may be associated with poor nutrition, medicines, thyroid conditions, liver disease, chronic illness or inherited factors. | Discuss an unexpected result with a healthcare professional. |
| Low | Low total cholesterol may occur because of diet, poor nutrition, medicines or medical conditions. | Review it with a clinician if it is unexpected or symptoms are present. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and is generally reassuring. | Continue to consider wider cardiovascular risk factors. |
| Borderline high | Borderline high cholesterol may be influenced by genetics, diet, weight and limited activity. | Discuss the result with your GP. |
| High | High total cholesterol may increase cardiovascular risk. | See your GP for a complete risk assessment. |
| Critical high | Very high total cholesterol may substantially increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and can indicate an inherited cholesterol disorder. | Arrange prompt medical review. |
Triglyceride to HDL ratio
The triglyceride to HDL ratio compares triglycerides with HDL cholesterol. It is a calculated marker that can provide additional context about cardiovascular and metabolic health.
A higher ratio may be associated with an unfavourable lipid pattern, insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, while a lower ratio is generally considered more favourable. The ratio must be considered with the individual triglyceride and HDL results and other risk factors.
You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night before, and tell the provider about medicines and supplements that may affect lipids.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A lower ratio generally reflects lower triglycerides relative to HDL and is usually considered a more favourable metabolic pattern. | Consider it with the full lipid profile and personal risk factors. |
| Normal | The ratio falls within the interval used by the reporting laboratory or provider. | Use the written laboratory comment and discuss concerns with your GP. |
| High | A higher ratio may indicate a less favourable balance between triglycerides and HDL. It may be associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or increased cardiovascular risk. | Discuss the result with a healthcare professional. |
Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product formed through normal muscle activity and removed from the blood mainly by the kidneys. It is commonly used with age, sex and other information to estimate kidney filtration.
Creatinine can be affected by hydration, muscle mass, exercise, muscle injury, diet, supplements and medicines.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Low creatinine is uncommon and may reflect low muscle mass, poor nutrition, pregnancy or another medical factor. | Discuss an unexpected result with your GP. |
| Normal | The result falls within the reference interval and is generally reassuring. | Kidney health still needs to be considered with symptoms and any calculated filtration result. |
| High | High creatinine may occur with reduced kidney filtration, dehydration, muscle injury, intense exercise, supplements or medicines. | Discuss the result with your GP as soon as possible. |
| Critical high | A very high result may indicate significant kidney impairment or another serious medical problem. | Seek urgent medical review. |
Non HDL cholesterol
Non HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. It represents several cholesterol particles that may contribute to plaque within the arteries.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result indicates a lower amount of cholesterol associated with plaque formation and is usually considered favourable. | Consider it with the complete cardiovascular profile. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and is generally reassuring. | Continue to consider blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history. |
| High | A high result means there is a greater amount of cholesterol that may contribute to cardiovascular risk. | Discuss the result with your GP. |
Iron
Iron is required to produce haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. A low circulating iron result can be relevant when investigating tiredness, weakness or breathlessness.
Serum iron varies during the day and can be influenced by food, supplements and inflammation. It should normally be considered with ferritin, a full blood count and other iron studies where appropriate.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Low iron may be associated with iron deficiency, blood loss, low intake, poor absorption, chronic illness or medicines. Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness and breathlessness. | Discuss the result with a healthcare professional. One low serum iron result does not confirm iron deficiency anaemia on its own. |
| Normal | The measured circulating iron level falls within the expected interval. | Speak with your doctor if symptoms remain. |
| High | High iron may occur with supplements, hereditary haemochromatosis, repeated transfusions, liver conditions or other causes. | Discuss the result with a healthcare professional. |
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 supports normal brain and nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Sources include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and fortified foods.
Low levels may result from poor intake, pernicious anaemia, reduced absorption, gastrointestinal conditions, surgery or medicines such as proton pump inhibitors.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | A very low result may indicate severe deficiency. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, walking difficulty, confusion or seizures. | Seek prompt medical advice. |
| Low | Low vitamin B12 may be caused by pernicious anaemia, poor intake, absorption problems or medicines. Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness and tingling. | See your GP to discuss further investigation and treatment. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and is generally reassuring. | Speak with your doctor if symptoms remain. |
| High | High vitamin B12 may reflect supplements, injections or treatment. It can also occur with liver, kidney or blood conditions. | Discuss an unexplained high result with your GP. |
| Critical high | A very high result requires clinical review, particularly when there is no known supplementation or treatment. | Arrange prompt medical assessment. |
HbA1c
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose exposure over approximately the previous two to three months. It is used to assess long term glucose control and may be used in the diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes when clinically appropriate.
An abnormal result must be interpreted with symptoms, medical history and any reason why HbA1c may be unreliable. People without symptoms may need confirmatory testing before a diagnosis is made.
HbA1c may be unsuitable or misleading in some situations, including certain forms of anaemia, haemoglobin disorders, pregnancy, recent major blood loss, recent transfusion and some advanced kidney conditions. A doctor may recommend a different glucose test.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result may be normal for some people but can also be influenced by shortened red blood cell survival, blood loss or another medical factor. | Discuss an unexpectedly low result with your doctor. |
| Normal | The result is below the laboratory threshold used for prediabetes or diabetes. | See your doctor if you have symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or persistent tiredness. |
| Prediabetes range | The result indicates a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In UK clinical guidance this is commonly 42 to 47 mmol/mol, although the report and clinician interpretation take priority. | Discuss risk reduction, repeat testing and follow up with your GP. |
| Diabetes range | The result is within the range used to diagnose diabetes when the test is appropriate. In UK guidance this is commonly 48 mmol/mol or above. A diagnosis may require clinical confirmation. | Arrange a medical review as soon as possible if you are not already known to have diabetes. |
| Diabetes range or glycaemic control | If diabetes has already been diagnosed, the meaning depends on your individual treatment target. A result cannot be labelled good or poor control without that target and your clinical context. | Discuss the result with your diabetes team, GP or specialist. |
Cholesterol to HDL ratio
The cholesterol to HDL ratio compares total cholesterol with HDL cholesterol. It provides additional information about the balance between total cholesterol and the cholesterol carried by HDL.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | A very low ratio is often favourable, but an unusual result should be considered with the individual values. | Discuss an unexpected result with a healthcare professional. |
| Low | A low ratio may be influenced by diet, activity, genetics or cholesterol lowering medicines and is generally favourable. | Consider it as part of the wider cardiovascular profile. |
| Normal | The result suggests a generally favourable balance between total cholesterol and HDL. | Remember that it does not remove all cardiovascular risk. |
| High | A high ratio may reflect raised total cholesterol, low HDL or both and is associated with greater cardiovascular risk. | See your GP to discuss the result. |
| Critical high | A very high ratio may indicate substantially increased cardiovascular risk. | Arrange prompt review of the complete lipid profile. |
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bones, teeth, muscles and immune function. It is obtained through sunlight exposure, food and supplements.
Low vitamin D is common in the United Kingdom, particularly during autumn and winter, in people with limited sunlight exposure and in people with darker skin.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Severely deficient | A very low result may be associated with significant deficiency and requires assessment of the cause and related bone or muscle effects. | Discuss the result with a doctor as soon as possible. |
| Deficient | Deficiency may contribute to muscle weakness, bone pain, osteoporosis and increased risk of falls or fractures. | Discuss treatment and further assessment with your doctor. |
| Low | A low result may be associated with tiredness, headaches, muscle or bone discomfort or low mood. These symptoms are not specific. | Discuss the result with your doctor. |
| Insufficient | The level is below the preferred interval. Limited sunlight, diet, absorption problems or increased requirements may contribute. | Ask a doctor or pharmacist about suitable measures. |
| Not deficient | Significant deficiency has not been identified. | Persistent symptoms still require assessment. |
| Adequate | The level is sufficient for normal health functions. | Maintain it with sensible diet, sunlight exposure and appropriate supplementation. |
| Normal | The result falls within the laboratory reference interval. | Continue sensible measures to maintain vitamin D. |
| Optimal | The level falls within the range considered favourable by the reporting laboratory. | Avoid unnecessary high dose supplements. |
| High | High vitamin D is commonly caused by excessive supplementation and can disturb calcium balance. | Arrange a medical review. |
| Consider toxicity | The result is within a range where toxicity must be considered and may affect the kidneys, bones, muscles, heart and nervous system. | Seek immediate medical review. |
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Thyroid stimulating hormone, known as TSH, is produced by the pituitary gland. It signals the thyroid to produce hormones that influence energy use, metabolism, temperature and many other processes.
A high TSH may be associated with an underactive thyroid, while a low TSH may be associated with an overactive thyroid. This product does not include free T4, so an abnormal TSH may require additional thyroid testing.
Do not stop prescribed thyroid medicine unless advised by your clinician. Biotin, vitamin B7, can interfere with some thyroid tests. Ask your doctor whether it should be paused. Recent illness may also affect results.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Very low TSH may be associated with thyroid overactivity, excessive thyroid hormone medicine, thyroid disease, a pituitary condition or other causes. | Discuss the result with a doctor as soon as possible. |
| Low | Low TSH may be associated with an overactive thyroid. Symptoms may include anxiety, weight loss, tremor, sweating and heat sensitivity. | See your GP promptly. |
| Normal | The result falls within the laboratory reference interval and is generally reassuring. | Speak with your GP if symptoms remain. |
| High | High TSH may be associated with an underactive thyroid. Symptoms may include tiredness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and cold sensitivity. | See your GP to discuss the result and whether free T4 should be measured. |
| Critical high | Very high TSH may indicate significant thyroid underactivity or, less commonly, another endocrine condition. | Arrange prompt medical assessment. |
Aspartate aminotransferase
Aspartate aminotransferase, known as AST, is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, brain and pancreas. A raised result can occur with liver cell injury, muscle injury, medicines or other medical conditions.
AST is not specific to the liver and should be interpreted with ALT, symptoms, medicines, alcohol use, exercise and any other relevant tests.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Very low AST is rarely clinically important. It may be associated with poor nutrition, low vitamin B6 status or other factors. | Discuss an unexpected result with your doctor. |
| Low | Low AST is usually not a cause for concern. | Review it with a clinician if symptoms or other abnormal results are present. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval. | A normal AST does not exclude every liver or muscle condition. |
| High | High AST may occur with liver disease, muscle injury, strenuous exercise, alcohol use, heart injury or medicines. Symptoms may include tiredness, abdominal discomfort or jaundice, although many people have none. | Discuss the result with your GP. |
| Critical high | A very high result may indicate serious liver, muscle or other tissue injury. Severe abdominal pain, jaundice or confusion requires urgent assessment. | Seek immediate medical review. |
High density lipoprotein cholesterol
High density lipoprotein cholesterol is commonly called HDL cholesterol. It helps transport excess cholesterol from tissues to the liver.
Higher HDL is often associated with lower cardiovascular risk, but it must be considered with the rest of the lipid profile.
Follow the kit instructions. You may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours before collection.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Low HDL may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk and can be influenced by genetics, smoking, diet, limited activity and medicines. | See your GP for advice based on your complete risk profile. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and is generally reassuring. | Consider it with LDL, non HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and personal risk factors. |
| High | A high HDL result is often considered favourable and may be influenced by genetics, diet and regular activity. | Very unusual values should still be interpreted with the full lipid profile. |
Alanine aminotransferase
Alanine aminotransferase, known as ALT, is an enzyme found mainly in liver cells. It is commonly measured when reviewing possible liver cell irritation or injury.
ALT can be affected by liver conditions, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, alcohol, body weight, infection, intense exercise and medicines.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Low ALT is usually not concerning, although it may occur with poor nutrition, low muscle mass or some treatments. | Discuss it with your doctor if it is unexpected. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and is generally reassuring in relation to measured liver cell enzyme activity. | A normal ALT does not exclude every liver condition. |
| High | High ALT may be associated with liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, alcohol, medicines, infection, muscle injury or another condition. | Discuss the result with your GP. |
| Critical high | A very high result may indicate significant liver or tissue injury. Severe tiredness, confusion or jaundice requires urgent assessment. | Seek urgent medical review. |
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats that circulate in the blood and provide energy. Raised levels may contribute to cardiovascular risk.
They can be affected by food, alcohol, sugar and saturated fat intake, weight, activity, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid function, genetics and medicines.
You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours. A fatty meal during the previous 24 hours and alcohol can increase the result.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Very low triglycerides are uncommon and may be associated with a very low fat diet, poor nutrition, thyroid overactivity or another condition. | Discuss an unexpected result with your doctor. |
| Low | Low triglycerides may be influenced by diet, activity or genetics and are often considered favourable. | Consider them with the full lipid profile. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval. | Continue to consider the complete cardiovascular profile. |
| Borderline high | A borderline high result may contribute to cardiovascular risk and may be affected by a recent meal, alcohol, weight or metabolic health. | See your GP if it remains raised. |
| High | High triglycerides may be associated with a diet high in sugar or saturated fat, alcohol, diabetes, kidney disease, limited activity or medicines. | Discuss the result with your GP. |
| Critical high | Very high triglycerides may substantially increase cardiovascular risk and, at particularly high levels, the risk of pancreatitis. | Seek prompt medical advice. |
Folate
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, supports red blood cell production and normal cell division. It is particularly important before and during pregnancy.
Leafy green vegetables, pulses and fortified foods provide folate. People trying to conceive are usually advised to take folic acid, but the appropriate dose should be discussed with a GP or pharmacist.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Very low folate may be associated with poor diet, absorption problems, medical conditions or medicines. Symptoms may include severe tiredness, weakness and irritability. | Discuss the result with a doctor urgently. |
| Low | Low folate may be caused by poor intake, poor absorption, increased requirements, alcohol use, medical conditions or medicines. | Discuss the result with your doctor. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and indicates that the measured folate level is sufficient. | Speak with your doctor if symptoms remain. |
| High | High folate most often reflects folic acid supplements or fortified foods. High intake can complicate the interpretation of vitamin B12 deficiency. | Discuss an unexpected result and supplement use with a doctor. |
| Critical high | A very high result may reflect prolonged high dose folic acid use, particularly where neurological symptoms or a possible vitamin B12 problem are present. | Discuss the result with a doctor urgently. |
Content standards
How this product information was prepared
This page was prepared from the supplied product specification and biomarker interpretation material. The wording was reorganised into clear UK English while preserving the product scope, preparation requirements, result categories, limitations and medical escalation guidance.
Expert review
Medical and editorial review
This product information has been reviewed for medical accuracy, appropriate scope, patient safety and responsible presentation. The reviewers considered HbA1c, metabolic health, cholesterol, liver enzymes, kidney markers, thyroid information, nutritional markers and the guidance on when direct medical care is required.
The review applies to the general information on this page. It is not personal medical advice and does not provide an individual diagnosis or interpretation of your results.
Dr Snieguole Geige
Dentist, Medical Doctor and Senior Adviser
Reviewed the preventative health context, general medical boundaries, patient communication and guidance on when results or symptoms require direct clinical care.
View professional profileDr Rimas Geiga
Medical Doctor, Nutritional Sciences Adviser and Healthy Ageing Expert
Reviewed the HbA1c, metabolic health, cholesterol, iron, vitamin and nutrition information, together with the responsible presentation of lifestyle context.
View professional profileVeronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor and Healthcare Management Expert
Reviewed the general medical accuracy, kidney and liver enzyme context, critical result guidance, patient safety and the boundaries of at home blood testing.
View professional profileFurther reading
Authoritative UK health information
These public health resources provide additional context. They do not replace the instructions, units, reference intervals or comments supplied with your individual laboratory report.
View NHS and UK clinical references
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS information about HbA1c
- NHS Scotland information about prediabetes testing
- NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service guidance on liver blood tests
- NHS information about kidney disease blood testing
- NHS information about vitamin B12 and folate deficiency diagnosis
- NHS vitamin D guidance
- NHS information about cholesterol results
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose diabetes?
HbA1c may be used to diagnose diabetes when clinically appropriate, but an at home result still requires medical interpretation. People without symptoms may need confirmatory testing, and HbA1c can be unreliable in some medical situations.
Is this a complete liver function test?
No. This product measures the liver enzymes ALT and AST. A complete liver blood profile may also include bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and GGT.
Do I need to fast?
Follow the kit instructions. Fasting is not required for HbA1c, but you may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours because triglycerides and some lipid measurements can be affected by recent food and alcohol.
Can normal results rule out illness?
No. Normal blood results do not exclude every condition. Speak with a GP if symptoms persist or feel concerning.
What should I do with an abnormal result?
Discuss abnormal or unexpected results with a GP or appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Critical results and urgent symptoms require prompt medical care.
