Important Update on your HbA1c Test Results and Diabetes diagnosis

We would like to inform you about an important update regarding your HbA1c test results. Your blood tests before 02/12/24 were sent to Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and the laboratory do regular checks on the machines to check they are accurate. They have found that one machine was giving some HbA1c results that were higher than the true result between 25 June 2024 and 2 December 2024. The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It is a test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. As soon as the hospital found the problem with the readings, which were due to a machine error, they acted quickly. The faulty analyser was no longer used and subsequently arrangements were made to send all diabetes blood tests to a different hospital to be tested, as well as starting a thorough investigation. All diabetes blood tests we have done since 02/12/24 have been shown to be accurate because of this. Chesterfield Royal Hospital is apologising for the inconvenience this matter is causing: A number of hospitals have experienced similar issues across the UK, even when, as in Chesterfield, all quality control and industry standards have been followed. Your patience and understanding are very much appreciated. 

What this means for you?
There is a potential that some people, who were tested may have received HbA1c results higher than they actually were. You were tested during this time and your HbA1c reading may have been affected. This may mean you have been incorrectly diagnosed as having diabetes. Your clinical team at your GP practice have reviewed the result of a subsequent test taken outside of the dates indicated above and considered it alongside your clinical records. They feel that the diagnosis of diabetes may be incorrect and need to discuss with you.

What Should You Do?
1. Continue your current management as advised: If you have been advised on medication or lifestyle advice or started programmes for the same, please continue them. Even if your actual blood glucose (sugar) readings are normal, the healthy lifestyle advice is still good for your health. 
2. We are currently conducting a thorough investigation regarding this issue for each potentially affected patient. You will receive communication from us if we believe you may be impacted, along with information about the plan and course of action. In the meantime, please refrain from contacting the practice until you receive further information, as we are reviewing a large number of patient records to make this assessment. Thank you for your understanding.
3. If you have any questions or concerns, you can first visit the Chesterfield Royal Hospital dedicated website: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/patients-visitors-and-carers/advice-and-support/important-update-your-hba1c-test-results-diabetes-test-monitoring

    or send a message to their dedicated Email: crhft.hba1cenquiry@nhs.net.

There is also a helpline for those with no internet access. Please call 01246 512640.