Cholesterol and HbA1c blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

This check measures total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and the total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Together these show how fats are carried in your blood. LDL is often called bad cholesterol because high levels contribute to narrowing of the arteries, while HDL helps carry cholesterol away to the liver.

HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the previous two to three months, and is the test the NHS uses to diagnose and monitor type 2 diabetes. Standard and high sensitivity CRP give a view of inflammation, which is linked with cardiovascular risk, and the full blood count checks red cells, white cells and platelets.

The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You are over 40 and have not had your cholesterol or blood sugar checked recently.
• You have a family history of heart disease, stroke or type 2 diabetes.
• You are overweight, have high blood pressure or are less active than you would like.
• You have made diet or exercise changes and want to see their effect.
• You want a low-cost check before deciding whether a wider screen is worthwhile.

Understanding your result

Your results are reported against the laboratory reference range for each test. Higher LDL, triglycerides or cholesterol ratio and lower HDL generally indicate a higher cardiovascular risk, which doctors weigh up with age, blood pressure, smoking and family history. An HbA1c in the prediabetes or diabetes range needs follow-up, and a diabetes diagnosis is usually confirmed with a repeat test unless symptoms are present.

A raised high sensitivity CRP can reflect background inflammation, but also a recent cold or injury. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and your practitioner will help you understand what your numbers mean together.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not essential for this check, as current UK guidance accepts non-fasting cholesterol tests. If your triglycerides have been high before, or you want the most consistent comparison with earlier results, fast for 8 to 12 hours with water only. Avoid heavy alcohol the day before, and tell us if you have had a recent infection or blood transfusion, which can affect CRP and HbA1c.

For a deeper look at heart risk, Advanced GP2 adds organ and nutrition markers, and our cholesterol blood tests cover lipids on their own. A complete overview sits on our page of every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a Cholesterol and HbA1c Check in Chiswick?

The Cholesterol and HbA1c Check costs £59 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. This includes your blood sample, analysis of all 21 markers at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?

Usually not. Non-fasting cholesterol results are accepted in UK practice, but fasting can make triglyceride results more consistent if they have been high before.

What HbA1c result suggests diabetes?

In the UK, an HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol or above is consistent with diabetes, and 42 to 47 mmol/mol is often described as prediabetes. Your practitioner will explain your own result.

How often should I have this check?

Many people repeat it once a year, or sooner after making changes or starting treatment. Your practitioner can suggest a sensible interval.