Weird HbA1c recently? It could be a lab error
Published: 27 October 2026
A Pathlab testing issue between 29 September and 9 October may have affected some HbA1c results, following a similar issue with Awanui labs late last year. Thank you to the clinician who raised the concern with Pathlab.
More than 1,500 HbA1c tests were performed across Pinnacle practices in Lakes and Waikato during this period. Pinnacle clinical director Dr Jo Scott-Jones reviewed more than 5,000 results and found 80.7 per cent were within 10 per cent of the previous result, compared with 81.6 per cent during the same period last year. This suggests the overall impact is small, although an inaccurate result could have significant consequences for an individual patient.
We're seeking support from Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand for practices needing to recall or reassess patients and will provide an update.
If an HbA1c result is unexpected, consider repeating the test before acting on it. Repeat testing is available at no additional cost. For concerns or advice, contact Pathlab via its online contact form.
Futher information and follow-up actions can be found in the following Clinical Update from Pathlab.