Hemoglobin A1C

Alternate Names Glycohemoglobin, A1c, HA1c, HbA1c, Hgb A1c
Ordering Recommendation Use to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus and monitor prediabetes. Interpretative ranges are based on ADA guidelines.

For patients with known hemoglobin variants without hemoglobin A, the preferred test for monitoring long-term glycemic control is Fructosamine.

Specimen EDTA Whole Blood
Container Type Lavender Top Tube

Methodology Enzymatic*
Reference Range Normal: <5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%
Diabetes: >6.4%

Diabetic Glucose Control Evaluation:
Therapeutic action suggested at >8.0%
ADA recommends a glycemic goal of <7.0%

Stability 7 days
Transport Temp Refrigerate 2°- 8°C
Instructions This assay provides accurate results for hemoglobin A1c in the presence of hemoglobin A and the most common heterozygous hemoglobin variants (HbS, HbC, HbD, HbE, and HbF <30%). In patients with known homozygous and double heterozygous hemoglobin variants, hemoglobin A is absent. In such situations, measurement of long-term glycemic control should be monitored with an alternative assay, such as Fructosamine [1].

*If unable to obtain results via the enzymatic method, testing will be performed using ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Days Performed Daily
Report Available 1 – 3 days
NY State Available Yes
LOINC Code 17856-6
CPT Code 83036
Reference 1. Lee JE. Alternative biomarkers for assessing glycemic control in diabetes: fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2015