Tested at the pharmacy
Blood tests at the pharmacy
We measure vitamin D, ferritin, cholesterol, blood glucose and the long-term marker HbA1c directly at the pharmacy. Booking is made directly with us, and we kindly ask you to register in advance by telephone. We then discuss the results with you and interpret them with professional expertise; they cannot, however, replace a medical diagnosis, the choice of a treatment or any change to your medication.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is formed predominantly in the skin, provided that it receives sufficient sunlight, a condition that at our latitude is rarely met between autumn and spring. As a consequence, many adults have low levels during these months without being aware of it. Because non-specific complaints such as tiredness do not allow a deficiency to be inferred with any certainty, only a measurement can provide clarity.
Ferritin: the body’s iron store
Ferritin is the protein in which the body stores iron, and it therefore indicates how well your iron reserves are stocked. A low ferritin level points to iron deficiency, often at a stage when the blood count has not yet changed. Those most frequently affected are women with heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and those who donate blood regularly or engage in intensive endurance sport.
Cholesterol
Although cholesterol is an essential building block of the body, persistently raised levels promote deposits in the blood vessels and thereby increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Because high cholesterol does not itself cause any symptoms, it is often detected only when it is measured.
HbA1c: the long-term marker
The HbA1c value reveals the average level of your blood glucose over the preceding eight to twelve weeks and thus permits a conclusion that no single blood glucose measurement can provide. It is consequently especially informative if you wish to know whether your blood sugar has remained stable over a longer period, or where several risk factors coincide, such as a family history of diabetes, excess weight, lack of exercise or increased thirst.
Blood glucose
Unlike HbA1c, blood glucose represents no more than a snapshot. For a meaningful fasting value, you should not have eaten for at least eight hours beforehand; water is permitted.
Interpreting your results
Tests carried out at the pharmacy replace neither a medical check-up nor a consultation with your doctor, but they can be genuinely useful if you would like a prompt indication or wish to monitor a value between two medical appointments. We record any notable results in a form that you can present to your doctor.
Times and booking
We carry out blood tests Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 12 noon and from 2 to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 to 10 am Booking is made directly with the pharmacy, and we kindly ask you to register in advance by telephone on +43 316 321128.
Frequently asked
Can I have blood tests done at a pharmacy in Graz?
Yes. At Apotheke Zur göttlichen Vorsehung, Heinrichstraße 3, 8010 Graz, we measure vitamin D, ferritin, cholesterol, blood glucose and HbA1c. We kindly ask you to book in advance by telephone on +43 316 321128.
What does the ferritin level show?
Ferritin reflects the body’s iron reserves, so a low value points to iron deficiency. Since ferritin rises during inflammation, however, we always interpret the result in the light of how you are currently feeling.
What is the difference between blood glucose and HbA1c?
Whereas blood glucose reflects the current level and depends heavily on your last meal, HbA1c shows your average blood glucose over the past two to three months.
Do I need to fast before the test?
For fasting blood glucose, yes: please do not eat for at least eight hours beforehand and avoid drinks that contain calories. For vitamin D, ferritin and HbA1c this is generally not necessary, and we are happy to clarify by telephone in advance whether fasting would be advisable for a cholesterol test in your case.
How much do the tests cost?
We are glad to tell you the cost when you book by telephone. Blood pressure checks are free of charge.
Do I need to book?
Yes, we kindly ask you to book in advance by telephone on +43 316 321128. We carry out blood tests Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 12 noon and from 2 to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 to 10 am For a fasting blood glucose test, please come before breakfast.
