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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) measurement

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

This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (attached to sugar), reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.

Quick summary

["HbA1c helps doctors track long-term diabetes control and adjust treatment plans."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
7388-2
Short code
Ham BasoBnd Ab Qn
Synonyms
Ham BasoBnd Ab Qn
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
lhr
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Doctors order HbA1c tests primarily to diagnose type 1 or type 2 diabetes, monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, or assess how well diabetes treatments are working. It’s a key tool for preventing complications like nerve damage or heart disease.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually during a routine visit to your doctor’s office or a lab. The blood is processed to separate hemoglobin from other blood components and analyzed using HPLC to measure the glycated fraction.

What Does the Result Mean?

Results are reported as a percentage (e.g., 5.5%–6.4% is considered normal in people without diabetes; higher levels may indicate poor blood sugar control). Exact ranges can vary slightly by lab, so discuss your result with your healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

HbA1c levels can be affected by factors like anemia, kidney disease, or certain medications. If your result is outside the expected range, your doctor may investigate these causes or adjust your treatment.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

HbA1c is critical for diabetes management because it provides a snapshot of blood sugar trends over time, helping prevent long-term complications. It’s less affected by short-term fluctuations (like acute illness or stress) than daily blood sugar checks.

Short name

HbA1c

Frequently asked questions

What does an HbA1c test measure?
It measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules that have sugar molecules attached, reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
How often should I get an HbA1c test?
If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend testing every 3–12 months, depending on your blood sugar goals and overall health. People without diabetes may get tested once a year or less.
Can lifestyle changes affect HbA1c results?
Yes! Diet, exercise, and managing stress can improve HbA1c levels. Small, consistent changes often lead to better long-term control, but results may take weeks to reflect.
  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