Serum Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with Electrophoresis-Based Measurement
This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar, reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
["Helps doctors track diabetes management and long-term blood sugar control."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109200-6
- Short code
- BORHMG
- Synonyms
- B hermsii IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86619
- SNOMED
- 122593008
- Specimen volume
- 1–2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters in Diabetes Care
HbA1c is a key indicator of how well your diabetes is controlled over time. Unlike daily blood sugar checks, it provides a broader picture of your glucose trends, helping prevent complications like nerve damage or kidney disease.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is processed to separate hemoglobin types using electrophoresis. The test then quantifies the proportion of hemoglobin linked to sugar, which correlates with your average blood sugar levels.
What Normal Results Mean
While reference ranges vary by lab, lower-than-average HbA1c levels suggest better glucose control, while higher levels may indicate poorer management. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
What Abnormal Results Could Indicate
Elevated HbA1c often signals uncontrolled diabetes, while very low levels may reflect recent changes in diet, medication, or illness. Your provider will interpret results in context with your medical history.
Reference range
Negative: <1:64; Equivocal: 1:64–1:128; Positive: ≥1:256. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and exposure history.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should report any recent antibiotic use, travel history to endemic areas (e.g., western United States), and known tick exposure. Acute and convalescent samples (2–4 weeks apart) are recommended for seroconversion confirmation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HbA1c (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
Can diet or exercise affect HbA1c results?
What if my HbA1c is outside the typical range?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy