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Blood test

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R

Rollercoaster

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
In November I'm having me first Ha2c test or whatever it's called. I think it's where a doctor takes your blood and can assess how it's been recently. What happens in this test? After first going to A+E on the day of me diagnosis and having big scary needles put in me, I guess I'm a little worried about going back to the hospital for something other than a chat.
 
Hi Rollercoaster, I assume you are talking about the HbA1c test. It is just an ordinary blood test, they take a small amount of blood and send it off to the lab for tests. You should get the results in a week. If you are bad with needles speak to your doctor and see if you can get some Emla cream - you wont feel a thing!
 
Probably HbA1c - information here: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/HbA1c

It will involve taking approx 2ml of venour blood (blood from vein). The needles / system used depends on the site and the operator, but venous blood can be obtained with a very thin "butterfly" needle. Do tell the blood taker that you're nervous, as they'll do what they can to put you at ease.
 
Thanks guys! I'm fine with me daily injections and stuff but the hospital needles do make me feel a bit nervous - they're so big and you can actually feel them inside of you!! Thanks for the reassurance - I'm sure once I've had the test I'll realise it wasn't that bad after all.
 
I always go to the hospital for the blood tests. The needls are not that big and you rarely feel mor ethan a scratch or sharp prick. Talk to them and tell them how you feel, they've seen it all before and will be happy to give reassurances to you.
 
Depending on your hospital, you might be lucky enough for them to have an instant result tester. If they do, you only have to give them a fingerprick full of blood and you'll get your result during your consultation. 🙂
 
Hope it goes well for you 🙂
 
The instant fingerprick HbA1c tests are apparently six times more expensive than lab processed tests. So she would be indeed be lucky. 🙂
 
SweetGuy said:
The instant fingerprick HbA1c tests are apparently six times more expensive than lab processed tests. So she would be indeed be lucky. 🙂
Click to expand...

Oooooh, our hospital is on the ball then 🙂 and Carol is very lucky
 
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