YOUR RESULT
Your report, privately.
Our testing partner’s secure results portal. Automatic import into My Timber is not available.
Product and kit photographs. Follow the instructions supplied with your own kit.
SHIFT HEALTH · Lab-test
Diabetes Lab-test
A laboratory HbA1c check gives a view of blood sugar over roughly two to three months. Useful context for a health conversation; it is not a reading of today’s glucose.
SampleFinger-prick blood sample
ResultUsually 2–5 working days
AvailabilityOut of stock
Laboratory testing is delivered with our specialist testing partner.
01
WHAT IT IS
What it checks, explained.
HbA1c measures how much glucose has attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells. It reflects blood-sugar exposure over roughly the previous two to three months, rather than the effect of one meal or one day.
This is a laboratory HbA1c test, not a finger-prick glucose meter for checking an immediate high or low. The sample is collected at home and returned for analysis.
- HbA1c
02
YOUR REASON
Why it might be useful.
It may be useful when a healthcare professional has suggested checking longer-term blood-sugar health, or when you want to discuss your diabetes risk with a clearer starting point.
If you are changing your eating or activity, HbA1c gives a longer view than the scales alone. It cannot tell you which individual habit caused a change, and testing too soon after a lifestyle change may not show its full effect.
03
HOW IT WORKS
The evidence. The limits.
The laboratory measures HbA1c from the returned sample. Your report needs to be interpreted in context: a clinician may confirm a result, assess symptoms or choose another test. Some circumstances, including conditions affecting red blood cells, can make HbA1c less suitable.
These independent sources explain the health context. They do not endorse this particular product.
04
USING IT WELL
Use it with the right advice.
Ask your diabetes team, GP or pharmacist which monitoring is appropriate if you already have diabetes, are pregnant or have a blood condition. Follow the collection leaflet rather than guessing whether fasting is required.
People exploring HbA1c testing or discussing longer-term blood-sugar monitoring with a healthcare professional.
Follow the instructions supplied with your own kit. Sample amounts and reading times are product-specific; the steps below show the important differences.
05
WHAT YOU GET
Your kit and service.
You are choosing a sample-collection and laboratory-reporting service. Outbound delivery arrangements, the final price and any additional support will be stated before ordering opens. A prescription, ongoing clinical monitoring and automatic My Timber result import are not included.
- Lancet and finger-prick blood collection equipment
- Prepaid sample-return packaging
- Product-specific collection instructions
- Laboratory analysis for the listed marker(s)
- A report through our testing partner’s secure results portal
Price TBC. Zero stock. The full final specification, price and delivery details will be available before you can place an order.
06
THE SHIFT VIEW
Why we include it.
Blood-sugar health is relevant to the wider picture many SHIFT members are working on. We include a focused lab option with a clear purpose, while keeping treatment decisions with the person responsible for your care.
You can keep using My Timber without buying a test, supplement or bundle. If a GP assessment or a different product better answers your question, that is the better next step.
HOW IT WORKS
Simple steps.
Clear instructions.
A quick overview of the current product information. Your kit’s leaflet gives the full preparation, sample amounts and reading window; follow it when testing.
01
Receive your kit.
Once ordering opens, the delivery charge and timing will be clear before payment.
02
Collect your sample.
Collect a small finger-prick blood sample using the lancet and collection equipment supplied.
03
Return it to the lab.
Put the sample in the supplied prepaid return packaging and post it as the kit instructs.
04
Receive your report.
Access your report through our testing partner’s secure results portal when analysis is complete.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Put it in context.
Discuss an unexpected or raised result with a healthcare professional. If you have new symptoms such as marked thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss, seek advice rather than waiting for a postal test.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Your questions.
Can I order this now?
This item is currently out of stock. Price is TBC. Ordering will open after stock, price and delivery details are confirmed.
How does this fit My Timber?
My Timber is for your own goals, check-ins and progress. Reading a product page does not arrange a test, an appointment or clinical monitoring.
Where will I find my result?
Your lab report is accessed through our testing partner’s secure results portal. Automatic transfer into My Timber is not available.
How long does it take?
Usually 2–5 working days for analysis and reporting; follow the turnaround confirmed with your kit.
What if a result concerns me?
Speak to a healthcare professional and explain your result and symptoms. Do not change prescribed treatment using a home result alone.
What does this product actually do?
HbA1c measures how much glucose has attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells. It reflects blood-sugar exposure over roughly the previous two to three months, rather than the effect of one meal or one day.
What are its limits?
A private result does not provide a diagnosis, prescribe treatment or replace monitoring agreed with your diabetes team. It is not suitable for deciding whether an episode of feeling unwell is an immediate glucose emergency.
Why does SHIFT include it?
Blood-sugar health is relevant to the wider picture many SHIFT members are working on. We include a focused lab option with a clear purpose, while keeping treatment decisions with the person responsible for your care.
EXPLORE THE RANGE
Also worth a look.
YOUR HEALTH, KEPT TOGETHER
Make it part of
your wider picture.
My Timber brings your own goals, check-ins and everyday progress together. It stays free.
Back to the rangeExplore My TimberProduct information checked 2026-10-28. Always follow the instructions supplied with the final product.
Understand it before you decide.
The purpose, evidence, limits and useful questions — all in one place.
A guide does not create a booking or change availability. Check the service or product page for the current details.