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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with 24-hour urine collection for creatinine clearance

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months and evaluates how well your kidneys filter blood, using a urine sample.

Quick summary

["HbA1c helps track diabetes management, while urine creatinine clearance assesses kidney function together."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
77478-6
Short code
Deprecated Hind+Mid ft-Bl XR
Synonyms
Deprecated Hind+Mid ft-Bl XR
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
xr
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor long-term blood sugar control (for diabetes or prediabetes) and check kidney function. The urine sample helps determine how well your kidneys process waste products, which can indicate kidney health alongside your blood sugar results.

How the Test Works

The blood test measures HbA1c, a protein attached to hemoglobin that reflects your average blood sugar over months. The urine test measures creatinine, a waste product filtered by kidneys, and calculates clearance to assess kidney function.

Sample Collection

For HbA1c: A small blood sample is taken from your arm. For urine creatinine clearance: You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

What to Expect

Blood draw is quick and usually done in a lab or clinic. Urine collection requires a full 24-hour period at home. Results are processed separately for HbA1c and creatinine clearance.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

HbA1c helps diagnose diabetes, assess treatment effectiveness, or detect prediabetes. Urine creatinine clearance identifies kidney disease risk, especially in people with diabetes, by measuring how well kidneys filter waste. Together, these tests provide a fuller picture of metabolic and renal health.

Frequently asked questions

What does an abnormal HbA1c result mean?
An elevated HbA1c (above typical reference ranges) suggests poor blood sugar control, which may indicate uncontrolled diabetes or insufficient treatment. A low result could indicate underdiagnosed diabetes or recent blood sugar fluctuations.
How does urine creatinine clearance relate to kidney function?
A lower-than-expected clearance suggests impaired kidney function, which may raise concerns for chronic kidney disease—especially if combined with other symptoms like fatigue or swelling. Normal results confirm healthy filtration, but repeated testing is needed if kidney issues are suspected.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
For HbA1c: No restrictions. For urine creatinine clearance: Drink plenty of water to produce urine throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluids or diuretics (like caffeine) that could alter results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy