HbA1c Test Price, Preparation, Procedure And Result

HbA1c is a blood test mainly used to determine the average blood sugar level over a period of 2-3 months.

HbA1c, also known as hemoglobin A1c, is glycosylated hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is a protein found inside RBCs, and it plays an important role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Glucose in the blood enters the red blood cells and binds to hemoglobin, forming glycated hemoglobin. The higher the blood sugar level, the higher the formation of glycated hemoglobin.

By measuring the amount of glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin molecules with sugar attached), this test helps to assess and monitor blood sugar levels. As a result, the HbA1c test is useful in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, and the test may be ordered in individuals who are suspected of having diabetes. This test also helps in the evaluation of effectiveness of the medication taken during the treatment of blood sugar.

HbA1c test is done in individuals who experience the following symptoms:-

• frequent urination
• extreme hunger and thirst
• blurred vision
• severe fatigue
• sores or wounds that take longer to heal than normal

This test is also done in individuals who are not experiencing any symptoms but are at high risk of diabetes. But this test can be used for regular monitoring of blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

It is also commonly done to identify the risk of diabetes in pregnant women. Since HbA1c gives the average blood sugar level for the last 2-3 months, it reflects the blood sugar level before and after pregnancy in women who are in the first three months of pregnancy. This helps in detecting pre-pregnancy diabetes too.

People who are going through antidiabetic therapy need to take this test every 3-6 months and it is recommended.

No preparation is required for this test. Normal eating and drinking can be continued before the test as foods and beverages do not affect the results.

Certain conditions like anemia can affect the results of this test. Thus, it is important to inform the doctor about the presence of any such condition.

A small tourniquet is tied around the arm, and a needle is inserted into a vein in the arm after swabbing the skin with an alcohol swab. A blood sample is then taken and collected in a sterile tube. Some pressure is applied to the injection site after the needle is removed to prevent further bleeding and promote clotting.

There is a slight risk of injury at the injection site with this blood test. Bleeding is more common in individuals who have a blood clotting problem. Some individuals may feel faint and dizzy. Such persons should drink more and more water and should sit for a while after this test. It is best to inform the doctor if you notice any other discomfort.

HbA1c test results are shown as a percentage (%). High HbA1c levels indicate high blood sugar levels. The risk of developing kidney or eye complications increases with the increase in HbA1c value.

Hba1c test Normal Range

An HbA1c level of less than 5.7% indicates the absence of diabetes and prediabetes.

Hba1c test Abnormal Range

The HbA1c level of 5.7% to 6.4% is a sign of prediabetes. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes in individuals who were not previously diagnosed with diabetes.

People with diabetes use the A1c test to help them better manage their diabetes.

However, results may be falsely low or high in individuals of Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, or African descent. People belonging to these regions can order different types of A1c tests.