Hemoglobin A1C (hba1c)

Who should get a Hemoglobin A1C?

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose, screen and monitor for pre-diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome of Diabetes. Glucose is a basic sugar that is used for energy but levels of glucose fluctuate rapidly. Consequently, although a Fasting glucose can be useful to assess sugar metabolism, the A1C level gives more of a snapshot over the previous few months. The A1C test is indicated for all adults over the age of 45 and for those under 45 but with risk factors for Diabetes including being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, having had gestational diabetes or with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The A1C test can be used to monitor the benefit of sugar lowering medications including insulin.

Sample Type

• 0.5 mL of Whole Blood or finger stick

Turnaround Time

• Note: Result turnaround times are only an estimate and may be subject to change.
• Test turnaround time for the Hemoglobin A1C test is typically 1-3 business days.

Patient Preparation

• No special preparation is needed