Special Instruction : No special preparation required
Parameters covered : 2
Report Frequency : Daily
Home Collection
Lab Visit
HbA1c also called Glycated hemoglobin gives the average sugar level in the body over a period of 2 to 3 months unlike blood sugar which indicates daily level. This test is used to diagnose prediabetes, diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes & monitor your diabetes treatment plan. Initial A1C test also helps to establish your baseline level. How often you need this test depends on the type of diabetes, your treatment plan, how well you are meeting treatment goals and your doctor's clinical judgment. The recommended protocol for this test is: Once every year if you have prediabetes; Twice a year if you do not use insulin and your blood sugar level is consistently within your target range; Four times a year if you take insulin or have trouble keeping your blood sugar level within your target range.
1. Estimated average glucose (eAG)
2. HbA1c
Here you can find answers for all the questions related to the test
The HbA1c test is a useful and simple blood test that can be used to diagnose diabetes and also to monitor blood glucose control in people with known diabetes.
This test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It's also called haemoglobin A1c, glycated haemoglobin, and glycosylated haemoglobin.
Understanding and managing the HbA1c levels is an essential part of overall diabetes management.
No special preparation required
Daily
B080
Diabetes
6 hrs
1 week
NA
HPLC, NGSP certified
3 mL (2 mL min.) Whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube. Ship refrigerated. DO NOT FREEZE.
This assay is useful for diagnosing Diabetes and evaluating long term control of blood glucose concentrations in diabetic patients. It reflects the mean glucose concentration over the previous period of 8 to 12 weeks and is a better indicator of long term glycemic control as compared with blood glucose levels due to lesser day to day variation.
The HbA1c test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps to monitor how well you are managing blood sugar levels. The HbA1c test is also called the glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C or A1C test.
HbA1c test results show the average blood sugar level for the past 2-3 months. The test measures the percentage of red blood cells containing hemoglobin coated with sugar.
The higher the HbA1c levels means that the blood sugar control is poor and there is higher risk of diabetes complications.
The HbA1c test may help the healthcare provider to:
The frequency of HbA1C test depends on your diabetes type, treatment regimen, and adherence to treatment goals. The HbA1c test may be recommended:
1. If you are pre-diabetic, an HbA1C test is typically advised annually.
2. If you're not using insulin and consistently maintain your blood sugar within the target range, the test is usually done biannually.
3. For those on insulin or struggling to control blood sugar within the target range, the test is often recommended quarterly.
4. Additional HbA1C tests may be recommended by a doctor if there are changes to your diabetes treatment plan or if new diabetes medications are initiated.
The HbA1C test is a routine blood test that doesn't require fasting. Therefore, you can eat and drink as usual before undergoing the test.
The HbA1C test measures blood sugar levels and is shown as a percentage. If the percentage is higher, it means the average blood sugar is higher. Here's what the results mean:
1. Below 5.7% is normal.
2. Between 5.7% to 6.4% means you have prediabetes.
3. 6.5% or higher on two HbA1c test values means you have diabetes. For most adults with diabetes, the goal is to keep their A1C level below 7%.
Certain factors may impact the levels of HbA1C test results, including:
1. Pregnancy
2. Recent or significant blood loss
3. Recent blood transfusion
4. Conditions causing low red blood cell count (anemias)
5. Variations in hemoglobin proteins: The primary oxygen-carrying hemoglobin protein is hemoglobin A. However, the presence of other hemoglobin variants can lead to inaccurate HbA1C test readings.
When an individual breathes in oxygen, it goes into the blood. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, carries this oxygen to all parts of the body through arteries. Then, it brings carbon dioxide back to the lungs through veins, so an individual can breathe it out and take in more oxygen.
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, fuels body's cells, enabling them to function properly. It primarily comes from sugars, fiber, starches, and carbohydrates in diet.
The pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb blood sugar for energy or storage. This maintains a healthy blood sugar level. However, in diabetes, this process is disrupted, leading to persistently high blood sugar levels.
Fasting is not required for HbA1c test. The HbA1c test provides information about your average blood sugar levels over the past few months and does not require fasting.
HbA1c tests measure the percentage of sugar in your blood. For individuals without diabetes, the normal range is below 5.7%, and this remains consistent regardless of age.
Need Help with Home Collection Booking ? Get a Call Back within 15 Minutes from our Health Advisor