Glycosilated Haemoglobin
Overview
Hemoglobin A1c, also called A1c or glycated hemoglobin, is hemoglobin with glucose attached. The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months by measuring the percentage of glycated (glycosylated) hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form ? about 95-98% ? is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A.
The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell ? normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place.
This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. Standards of medical care in diabetes from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) state that diabetes may be diagnosed based on A1c criteria or plasma glucose criteria, either the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or the 2-hour plasma glucose value after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
This test is also used to monitor treatment for someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well the person's glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics.
Preparation(Before)
HbA1c is a simple blood test and fasting may not be required on the day of the testing itself. Also do inform the doctor about any particular medication you are on, as they might interfere with the test results.
Preparation(On-time)
HbA1c is a simple blood test and fasting may not be required on the day of the testing itself. Also do inform the doctor about any particular medication you are on, as they might interfere with the test results.
Testing time
5 to 15 min
Report delivery time
The results should be available within 24 hours.
Normal range
For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c level is between 4% and 5.6%. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have a higher chance of getting diabetes. Levels of 6.5% or higher mean you have diabetes.
Result explanation
HbA1c results are given in percentages. Typical results are below.
Normal: HbA1c below 5.7% Prediabetes: HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% Diabetes: HbA1c of 6.5% or higher Your results may mean something different. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
If you have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends keeping your HbA1c levels below 7%. Your health care provider may have other recommendations for you, depending on your overall health, age, weight, and other factors.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Benefits
Glycated hemoglobin testing is recommended for both checking the blood sugar control in people who might be prediabetic and monitoring blood sugar control in patients with more elevated levels, termed diabetes mellitus.
Common uses
Diabetes
Global facts
Glycated hemoglobin testing is recommended for both checking the blood sugar control in people who might be prediabetic and monitoring blood sugar control in patients with more elevated levels, termed diabetes mellitus.
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