Last updated 25 August 2025
The following information is intended for people who have received a letter from Awanui Labs requesting them to attend for a repeat blood test for HbA1c. If you have not received a letter or been contacted by your healthcare provider regarding a retest, you do not need to do anything.
Please do not attend for a HbA1c retest if you have not been directly contacted by your healthcare provider or by letter from Awanui Labs.
Awanui Labs is contacting a number of patients in Wellington and Taranaki to ask them to attend for a repeat blood sugar test (HbA1c test). This is because a recent review of a testing process identified that a result may have been higher than expected, and we are now taking the cautious approach of repeating these HbA1c blood tests using a revised process.
For more information and frequently asked questions, please see below.
Questions and answers
1. What is an HbA1c test and why is it important?
The HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It is used to check for prediabetes or diabetes and to see how well diabetes is being managed.
2. What has happened with my HbA1c test?
Between 31 March and 11 July 2025, some HbA1c test results came back higher than expected. This happened due to following a recommended process for a newly installed machine. The process has now been revised.
3. How many patients are affected?
A number of patients in the Greater Wellington Region and Taranaki have been identified as needing a repeat HbA1c test. If your HbA1c result is one of them, you will receive a letter from us. If you do not receive a letter from us, your result was not affected.
4. How do I know if my HbA1c result was impacted?
If your HbA1c result needs checking, you’ll receive a letter from us outlining the process for re-testing. Your healthcare provider has also been informed.
5. Were all results affected or only some?
Not all HbA1c results were affected. Most HbA1c results were only slightly higher and would not change care.
6. How do I know future HbA1c results will be accurate?
We have implemented all necessary measures to ensure your results are accurate.
Impact on my health
7. Will this issue affect my diagnosis or treatment?
Some people may have been told they had prediabetes when they did not, or were started on treatment sooner than needed. This is why are taking a cautious approach of repeating these HbA1c tests.
8. Could this have caused me to be misdiagnosed?
It is possible that some patients may have been diagnosed as being prediabetic (or in rare instances as diabetic). The repeat HbA1c test will confirm your diagnosis.
9. Could this have affected my other health conditions?
The HbA1c test is only about blood sugar. However, any changes to your diabetes care could affect your overall health. Your healthcare provider can help assess this.
10. What should I do if I’m worried this issue has affected my health?
If you received a letter, please get your repeat HbA1c test done as soon as possible. If you have a patient portal (eg myIndici or Manage My Health) please check for a comment on your result, it may ask you to book an appointment.
11. Should I stop or change my current medication until I get my repeat result?
No. Do not change your medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
12. Could this have caused long-term health problems?
This is very unlikely. In most cases the difference between results was small. Your doctor can advise if further checks are needed.
Next steps and retesting
13. Do I need to have the HbA1c test repeated?
Only if you receive a letter from us or your healthcare provider has contacted you to have a repeat HbA1c test, otherwise you do not need to have a repeat HbA1c test.
14. How do I arrange my repeat HbA1c test?
Simply visit any Awanui Labs collection centre with your letter. Your referral will already be in our system.
15. Is the repeat HbA1c test free?
Yes, you will not be charged for the repeat HbA1c test. Please bring your letter with you.
16. Do I need to book an appointment?
No booking is required. Just walk in.
17. Where can I go for my repeat HbA1c test?
You can visit any Awanui Labs collection centre in New Zealand – visit www.awanuilabs.co.nz to find your nearest collection centre.
18. Can I use a different laboratory?
You can, but your repeat HbA1c test at Awanui Labs is free and already arranged. If you use a different laboratory provider, you will need to get a new referral or self-request a test directly with that laboratory provider.
19. How soon should I get my HbA1c retested?
We recommend you repeat the HbA1c test as soon as possible.
20. What if I can’t come in straight away?
The referral is valid for three months, but earlier is better.
21. Will my GP automatically get my new HbA1c result?
Yes. Your doctor will receive the repeat HbA1c test result automatically.
23. How long will it take to get my new HbA1c result?
Usually within 2–3 working days.
24. Will I be contacted with the repeat HbA1c result?
Your healthcare provider will receive the result and contact you if needed. If you have a patient portal (eg myIndici or Manage My Health) please check for a comment on your result, it may ask you to book an appointment.
Communication
25. Why did I only find out about this now?
We first had to confirm which results may have been affected before we could contact patients.
26. Has this type of issue happened before at Awanui Labs?
No, this was a new issue linked to a recent equipment upgrade.
Privacy and record keeping
27. Will the affected HbA1c result be removed from my medical record?
No, both HbA1c results will stay in your record, but the retest result will be clearly identifiable for your doctor.
28. How will my health records be updated?
Your new result will be sent to your healthcare provider to update your record.
29. Who will have access to my retested HbA1c result?
Only your healthcare provider and those directly involved in your care.
Accessing a repeat blood test
30. I don’t live near an Awanui Labs centre – what are my options?
Please contact us using the support services below to discuss alternatives.
31. I can’t get to a centre due to disability or illness – can someone come to me?
Please contact us to see if home collection is available in your area.
32. Will you reimburse me for the repeat test and GP appointment?
The repeat blood test for HbA1c is free. Health NZ has agreed to cover the cost of a follow-up consultation with your healthcare provider, if one is required, to discuss your test results. If you’d like an appointment for any other reason, normal charges may apply.
33. What if I’ve moved overseas or to another region?
Please contact us to discuss the best way to arrange your repeat HbA1ctest.
Other medical tests
34. Were any of my other blood tests affected?
No, only some HbA1c tests were affected.
Awanui Labs carry out a wide range of different blood tests on behalf of GPs, community teams and hospital patients, and the only test where some people need a retest is for blood glucose levels – HbA1c.
35. Will I need to repeat any other tests?
No, only your HbA1c test if you received a letter from us.
Support
36. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
You can call 0800 747 395 or email myretest@awanuilabs.co.nz.
This phone and email line is specifically to discuss the HbA1c retest, and not for general enquires.
Our support line is available from 9am – 4pm
37. How do I make a formal complaint?
Contact our support service or visit our website here for our feedback and complaints process.
38. Is there an independent body I can contact if I’m not satisfied?
Yes. You can contact the Health and Disability Commissioner.
39. Can I speak to someone at Awanui Labs directly about my results?
Yes. Call our support number and our team will help.
Contact us for further support or information
You can call 0800 747 395 or email myretest@awanuilabs.co.nz.
This phone and email line is specifically to discuss the HbA1c retest, and not for general enquires.
Our support line is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm