Hemoglobin A1C test; purpose and Results interpretation
HbA1C
Hemoglobin A1C test. What is the HbA1c analysis, what are its precautions, what interpretations of its results, and what is its relationship to blood glucose levels?
Table of Contents
Hemoglobin A1C test (HbA1C), is used for determines an average blood sugar level over the previous three months. It can be important to diagnose diabetes mellitus and as a diagnostic tool for type 2 DM.
What is a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test?
A hemoglobin Ac (HbA1c) test measures and determine the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to hemoglobin.
The HbA1c test shows the average amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin over the past 3 months. It’s an average of three months because that’s how long a red blood cell normally lives.
When your HbA1c result is high, it can be a sign of hyperglycemia.
A Brief Description of HbA1c Test
| Other names | A1c, glycohemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin |
| Test purpose | Diabetic test |
| preparation | There is no special preparation required |
| Specimen | 3ml Whole Blood (EDTA tube) |
| Reference range | Non-diabetic <6% Goal <7% Therapeutic action >8% |
| Methodology | Turbidimetric Immunoassay inhibition |
| Turn Around Time | one hour (upon receipt in lab.) |
What is the purpose of HbA1C test?
In adults, Hb Ac test can be used to screen for diabetes or pre-diabetes.
If you already have a high level of glucose, HbA1c test can assist you to keep track of your signs and glucose levels.
Who should perform Hemoglobin A1C test?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults over the age of 45 years be tested for diabetes and pre-diabetes.
If your results are normal, you should have the test repeated every 3 years. If your test results indicate that you have pre-diabetes, you should be tested every 1-2 years. You should also speak with your doctor about taking steps to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
If you are under the age of 45 and have certain factors, you may require this test. These are some examples of these risk factors:
- Obesity or being overweight
- High blood pressure
- A family history of heart disease
- Inactivity physically
If you have hypoglycemic symptoms, you may also require a HbA1c test. These are some examples of these symptoms:
- Feeling thirst
- frequent urination
- Vision impairment
- Fatigue
What happens during HbA1c test?
collection of the sample: A small needle will be used by a healthcare professional to draw blood from a vein in your arm.
Following the insertion of the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial.
“Related: Albumin Blood Test“
Are there any prerequisites for the HbA1C test?
The advantages of being diagnosed this way are that HbA1c test does not require any special preparation such as fasting or drinking anything.
Is there any risk associated with the test?
Having a blood test poses very little risk. You may undergo minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly.
What do the findings imply?
Haemoglobin A1c levels are expressed as percentages. The typical outcomes are shown below.
- HbA1c less than 5.7 percent is considered normal.
- HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4 percent indicates prediabetes.
- Diabetes is defined as HbA1c of 6.5 percent or higher.
Your results could mean something completely different. If you have any concerns about your results, speak with your doctor.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with hyperglycemia keep their HbAc levels below 7% (good controlled). Other recommendations may be made by your healthcare provider based on your overall health, age, weight, and other factors.
Estimation of the mean glucose level based on the HbA1c test
The following equation provides an approximation of the relationship between HbA1C percentage and estimated average glucose (e AG) measurement:
- eAG (mg/dl) = 28.7 x A1C- 46.7
- eAG (mmol/l) = 1.59 x A1c -2.59
This table shows the value of the HbA1c test and the average value of its equivalent in the blood glucose level:
Is there anything else should I know about HbA1c test?
HbA1c test is not recommended for diagnosing gestational type, which affects only pregnant women, or diabetes in children.
Furthermore, if you have anemia or another type of blood disorder, a HbA1c test may be less accurate in detecting hyperglycemia.
Because HbA1c is unaffected by daily fluctuations in blood glucose concentration, it cannot be used to monitor daily blood glucose concentrations or to adjust insulin doses. It also cannot detect the presence or absence of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia on a daily basis.