A clear screen for how your body handles sugar
A glucose tolerance test: the standard way to screen for diabetes and prediabetes by measuring how your blood sugar responds to a measured glucose drink over time. Fasting required, with about two hours at the branch.
No doctor's referral. Come fasted; plan for about two hours at the branch.
How would you like to get tested?
Book a time
Reserve a slot at your nearest branch online, then walk straight in. Best if you want a guaranteed time.
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No appointment needed. Come through any branch, Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00.
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Not sure which tests you need? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you decide.
WhatsApp usWhat does the test measure?
An oral glucose tolerance test, the standard way to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. It measures how your blood sugar responds to a measured glucose drink over time.
Glucose tolerance test
Glucose Tolerance Testing. A fasting blood sugar, a measured glucose drink, then timed samples that show how well your body clears sugar from the blood.
Three steps, no GP needed
Book a morning, fasted slot
Reserve an early morning appointment and come after an overnight fast. No doctor's referral needed.
Fasting sample, then the glucose drink
A first blood sample is taken, then you drink a measured glucose solution and wait at the branch.
Timed samples and results
Further samples are taken over about two hours. Results follow in 2 to 5 working days, with a free certificate.
Who is this for?
Most useful if you want a clear screen for how your body handles sugar, or your doctor has asked for a glucose tolerance test.
Symptoms of high blood sugar
Increased thirst, frequent urination or tiredness you want to check.
A family history
Diabetes runs in your family and you want to screen.
In pregnancy
Your doctor has asked for a glucose tolerance test in pregnancy.
Risk factors
You have risk factors and want a clear screen.
Following up a borderline result
An earlier reading was borderline and your doctor wants a tolerance test.
A clear baseline
You want a definitive screen for how you handle sugar.
What people say
Friendly and competent staff. Both at reception and the nurse. A much simpler process than going through doctors. Thank you ladies.
The staff at reception as well as the nurses are friendly and professional. I've also always received results timeously. I would give 10 stars if I could.
Highly highly highly recommend. The experience was painless and the practice was inviting and well kept. The report was extremely detailed and informative and I would have this as top of my list for preventive care.
Amazing experience, highly professional staff. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
I cannot recommend Juliette and her team enough, friendly and kind from the get go. Bloods were drawn with minimal discomfort and the labs came back quickly.
Excellent experience at Epicentre. The staff were professional, kind, and took time to explain everything clearly. The facility was clean, booking was easy, and I did not feel rushed.
What this does not do
This is a screen, not a diagnosis. Your doctor reads the result alongside your history and may repeat or add tests.
- If you are pregnant, follow your doctor or clinic's guidance on timing and which test is needed.
- Feeling faint or unwell during the test is uncommon; tell the staff if you do, and do not leave the branch until the samples are complete.
- Results are most useful when read with your history; a single result may need to be repeated.
- Diabetes screening and care are also available free at public clinics in South Africa.
Quick answers
Three walk-in labs
Durban
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Johannesburg
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Round out the picture
Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 2 June 2026. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.
A clear screen for how you handle sugar
No doctor's referral needed. Book a morning, fasted slot and plan for about two hours at the branch, or message us if you are not sure where to start.