We’re one of a number of trusts that has discovered there was a problem with the equipment we use to analyse HbA1c, a test used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

This affects tests carried out during specific times over the last year and therefore, we are currently inviting some patients who were newly diagnosed with diabetes during those times for a retest.

The affected periods were January to March 2024, and August 2024 to January 2025.

A problem with a machine we use means it might have shown higher levels of HbA1c than it should have done. This could mean some people have been told they have diabetes when they don't.

Around 2,000 patients are being invited to have repeat blood tests. If you are one of those patients, you will receive a letter from us with information on how to book your test.

Matthew Trainer, Chief Executive, said:

I am sorry for the distress caused. We are working with specialist clinicians and believe it is extremely unlikely anyone has come to serious harm.

We have put extra checks in place to prevent any further issues with the equipment.

No other blood tests are affected by this issue as this equipment is only used to analyse HbA1c tests.

Please find further information below in our FAQs.

 

FAQs

How do I know a repeat blood test will be correct?

We have implemented additional quality checks to ensure correct results.

How long will it take to get the results of my retest?

We will send your results to your GP within 7-14 days.

I’ve been told I have diabetes – is that wrong?

If your test was one of those affected, it is possible your diagnosis is wrong.

That’s why we are inviting some patients who were newly diagnosed for a repeat test as soon as possible to ensure any diagnosis is made on a correct result.

Why aren’t you retesting everyone who had this test in the affected periods?

We are prioritising those patients who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes and where HbA1c was borderline for diagnosis, to confirm whether this was correct.

Patients who already have diabetes have regular checks with their GPs as a matter of course which monitor their results.

I was put on medication/advised to make lifestyle changes, should I stop now?

Please do not change anything you have been told to do by your doctor.

Once we have a new result you will be contacted to let you know what to do next.

What is the impact from this, could I have been harmed if my result was wrong and I took medicine I didn’t need?

We are working with specialist clinicians and believe it is extremely unlikely anyone has come to serious harm.