Hemoglobin A1C

Ordering Recommendation

The Hemoglobin A1c test is a vital tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus, as well as assessing prediabetes. Diagnostic levels are marked by values greater than or equal to 6.5%, while monitoring involves tracking long-term glycemic control in diabetes patients. Additionally, values between 5.7% and 6.4% signal an increased risk of developing diabetes. For patients with hemoglobin variants lacking hemoglobin A, the Fructosamine test is preferred for monitoring long-term glycemic control.

Mnemonic

Methodology

Quantitative Capillary Electrophoresis

Performed

Mon-Sat

Reported

Within 1-2 days

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York DOH approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation:

Collect:

Lavender (EDTA)

Specimen Preparation:

Transport whole blood in original tube. (Min: 1 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature:

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions:

Tissue or urine. Samples frozen after 8 hrs of collection and samples frozen at temperatures less than -70C.

Remarks:

Stability:

Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 3 months (Must be frozen within 8 hrs of collection at -70 to -80C)

Reference Interval

Components

Available Separately

Reference Interval

Hemoglobin A1C

Less than 5.7 percent

Estimated Average Glucose

By report

Interpretive Data

HbA1c values of 5.7-6.4 percent indicate an increased risk for developing diabetes mellitus. HbA1c values greater than or equal to 6.5 percent are diagnostic of diabetes mellitus. For diagnosis of diabetes in individuals without unequivocal hyperglycemia, results should be confirmed by repeat testing.

Note

This assay accurately measures hemoglobin A1c even in the presence of hemoglobin variants, provided hemoglobin A is present. For patients with known hemoglobin variants who lack hemoglobin A, it is recommended to monitor long-term glycemic control using the Fructosamine test

CPT Code

83036

Components

Component Test Code

0070427

0070428

Component Chart Name

Estimated Average Glucose

LOINC

Hemoglobin A1C

27353-2

4548-4

Aliases

Hemoglobin A1C

A1C

A1C Hemoglobin

Glycated Hemoglobin

Glyco HGB
Glyco-Hb
Glycosylated Hemoglobin

HA1C

HbA1c

Hemoglobin A1C

Hemoglobin A1C, Blood