Preparing for Change: What’s Next for HbA1c Testing in POCT?

Across the UK, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) teams are entering a period of change in HbA1c testing.

With shifts in analyser availability, increasing demand on services and growing pressure on clinical pathways, many organisations are taking the opportunity to reassess how HbA1c testing is delivered—looking not just at replacement, but at improvement.

This moment presents a valuable opportunity to step back and evaluate current workflows, identify inefficiencies and explore how testing can better support both patients and healthcare teams.

So what should POCT teams be considering when reviewing their HbA1c pathway?

Beyond Replacement: Rethinking the HbA1c Pathway

Replacing an analyser is rarely just a technical decision, it’s a workflow decision.

In today’s NHS environment, decisions around diagnostics are increasingly driven by system-wide efficiency, workforce pressures and long-term sustainability, rather than specifications alone.

When reviewing HbA1c testing, POCT teams are focusing on several key areas:

1. Workflow efficiency

How many steps are involved in the testing process?
How much hands-on time is required?
Can the process be simplified without compromising quality?

Reducing operational complexity is becoming a priority, particularly in settings where staff are managing multiple responsibilities. Systems that minimise manual steps and allow for more streamlined workflows can help reduce the burden on already stretched teams.

2. Turnaround time

Are results available quickly enough to support same-visit decision-making?

One of the key advantages of POCT is the ability to deliver results in real time, enabling immediate clinical decisions. Ensuring HbA1c testing aligns with this goal can help reduce delays, improve patient flow and minimise the need for follow-up appointments.

3. Sample requirements

Is the test practical and patient-friendly?

Smaller sample volumes and simpler collection methods can make a meaningful difference in busy clinical environments. They support faster testing, improve patient experience and reduce the likelihood of repeat sampling.

4. Cost pressures and total cost of ownership

Cost considerations go beyond the price of consumables.

POCT teams are increasingly evaluating the total cost to the system, including:

• Staff time
• Training requirements
• Maintenance demands
• Error rates and repeat testing

Reducing hidden operational costs can often have a greater impact than focusing on individual test pricing alone.

The Growing Role of POCT in Diabetes Care

As demand for diabetes monitoring continues to rise, POCT plays an increasingly important role in supporting healthcare delivery.

HbA1c testing is central to long-term condition management, providing an overview of a patient’s average blood glucose levels over a period of 2–3 months.

Its role extends beyond diagnosis, it supports ongoing monitoring, treatment decisions and early intervention to prevent complications.

POCT enables this to happen more efficiently by:

• Supporting rapid clinical decision-making
• Reducing the need for follow-up appointments
• Improving patient experience
• Alleviating pressure on central laboratories

As healthcare systems continue to shift towards more community-based care, the importance of accessible, reliable POCT solutions will only increase.

What Teams Are Looking for Now

In conversations with POCT managers across the UK, several consistent priorities are emerging.

Simplicity

Systems that are easy to use, require minimal training and can be operated confidently by a broader range of staff are increasingly valued.

This is particularly important in the context of workforce pressures, where reducing reliance on highly specialised operators can help distribute workload more effectively.

Reliability

Consistency remains critical. POCT results must align with laboratory standards to support confident clinical decision-making.

Reliability underpins trust in the system and ultimately determines how widely and consistently it is used.

Speed

Fast turnaround times enable clinicians to act immediately, supporting same-visit decision-making and improving patient pathways.

The ability to deliver timely results is one of the key drivers behind the continued growth of POCT.

Flexibility

Healthcare delivery is evolving.

With the rise of Primary Care Networks (PCNs), community diagnostics and outreach services, there is a growing need for solutions that can operate across multiple settings.

Portable, easy-to-deploy systems that can be used in a variety of environments—from GP surgeries to community clinics—are becoming increasingly important.

Scalability and future-proofing

Rather than investing in single-use solutions, many organisations are looking for platforms that can evolve with their needs.

A system that can support multiple assays or expand over time provides greater long-term value and reduces the risk of needing further changes in the future.

Supporting System-Wide Efficiency

In the NHS, diagnostic decisions are rarely made in isolation.

They are influenced by wider priorities, including:

• Reducing operational burden
• Standardising processes across sites
• Supporting workforce optimisation
• Enabling care closer to home

Solutions that align with these goals are more likely to deliver meaningful impact.

For example, simplifying workflows can:

• Reduce training requirements
• Minimise user error
• Improve consistency across multiple sites

Similarly, enabling testing in community settings can:

• Increase access to diagnostics
• Improve patient convenience
• Reduce pressure on hospital-based services

These system-wide benefits are becoming just as important as individual test performance.

Supporting a Smooth Transition

Transitioning to a new HbA1c system doesn’t have to be disruptive.

In fact, many teams are finding that change presents an opportunity to improve—not just replace—existing pathways.

With the right approach, organisations can:

• Review their current workflow in detail
• Identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks
• Explore alternative technologies
• Implement improvements with minimal disruption

Importantly, modern POCT systems are increasingly designed with ease of use in mind—supporting simpler onboarding, reduced training requirements and faster adoption across teams.

Looking Ahead: A More Efficient, Patient-Centred Approach

The future of HbA1c testing in POCT is likely to be shaped by a continued focus on:

• Efficiency
• Accessibility
• Flexibility
• Sustainability

Rather than maintaining the status quo, many organisations are using this period of change to build more resilient, scalable and patient-centred diagnostic pathways.

By focusing on simplicity, reducing operational burden and aligning with wider healthcare priorities, POCT teams can create systems that not only meet today’s needs but are also prepared for the future.

Change in diagnostic pathways can be challenging but it also creates an opportunity to improve.

For POCT teams reviewing HbA1c testing, the focus is shifting from maintaining existing systems to building pathways that are more efficient, adaptable and aligned with the realities of modern healthcare.

Taking the time to review your current setup now can help ensure you’re well-positioned for the future both operationally and clinically.

If you’re currently reviewing your HbA1c pathway, our team at Una Health is supporting POCT services across the NHS with informal, 20-minute workflow reviews.