HbA1c (Glycosylated Hb)
About Test
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) assay measures the percentage of hemoglobin A1c that has glucose molecules attached to it over a period of approximately three months. Hemoglobin A1c is formed when glucose in the bloodstream binds irreversibly to hemoglobin in red blood cells, reflecting average blood glucose levels over time. This test is fundamental in monitoring long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus, providing valuable insight into the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies. Elevated HbA1c levels are indicative of poor blood sugar control and may increase the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Physicians rely on HbA1c testing to establish personalized treatment goals, adjust medication regimens, and assess the need for lifestyle modifications in patients with diabetes. Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels is essential for optimizing diabetes management and reducing the risk of complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Sample Requirements
Purple EDTA Tube
Stability
Serum: 2 days 2-8°C
Turnaround Time
8 hours
Assay Interferences
Interferences (Up to 10% with HCT correction)
Ascorbic Acid: 50 mg/dL
Bilirubin: 10 mg/dL
Glucose: 1000 mg/dL.
NAC: 2000 mg/L
Haemoglobin: 10 mmol/L
Lipemia: 400 mg/dL (at <11g/dL Hb) 750 mg/dL (> 11g/dL Hb)
Urea: 300 mg/dL
Uric acid: 20 mg/dL
Other: Rarely, samples of patients with gammopathy might give falsified results.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), acetaminophen and metamizole medication leads to falsely low results in patient samples.
Falsely low values (low HbA1c despite high blood glucose) may occur in people with conditions such as shortened red blood cell survival (e.g. hemolytic diseases) or significant recent blood loss during the weeks before (higher fraction of young erythrocytes).
Falsely high values (high HbA1c despite normal blood glucose) have been reported in iron deficiency anemia (high proportion of old erythrocytes).
Alcoholism or large doses of aspirin may lead to implausible results.
Reference Range (DCCT %):
Non diabetes: 4.0 – 6.0 / Prediabetes: >6.0 – 6.4 / Diabetes: ≥ 6.5 / Good control: 6.5 - 7.5 / Fair control: 7.5 - 9.0 / Poorcontrol: 9.0 - 10.0 / Too High: 10.0 - 12.0
Critical Value:
Not Applicable