Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with qualitative measurement of glycated hemoglobin
This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has been linked to sugar (glycated hemoglobin), reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
["Assesses long-term blood sugar control to help manage diabetes or prediabetes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33540-6
- Short code
- GA from CRL.Hansmann86
- Synonyms
- GA from CRL.Hansmann86
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-estimated-from-crl-hansmann
- CPT
- 83002
- 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
What This Test Measures
HbA1c levels indicate how well your blood sugar has been controlled over time. While this test doesn’t provide immediate results, it’s a key tool for doctors to track trends in diabetes management.
Why It Matters in Diabetes Care
A consistently high HbA1c suggests poor blood sugar control, while a lower level may indicate better management. This test helps doctors adjust treatment plans, such as medication or diet.
How It’s Performed
This test uses a simple blood draw from your arm. The sample is analyzed to determine the proportion of hemoglobin that has sugar molecules attached, which doesn’t require a fasting state.
What to Expect Before or After
No special preparation is needed. You may feel slight discomfort from the needle, but it typically resolves quickly. Results are usually available within a few days.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
HbA1c is a critical marker for diagnosing diabetes (especially type 2) and assessing long-term glycemic control. It helps identify whether blood sugar levels are consistently high, prompting interventions like lifestyle changes or medication adjustments. Persistently elevated levels may indicate complications like nerve damage or kidney issues, while low levels might suggest overly aggressive control, which can be risky.
Short name
HbA1c Qualitative
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What do my results mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy