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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from 24-hour urine collection

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

This test measures the average level of sugar (glucose) in your blood over the past 2–3 months, using a sample of your urine collected over 24 hours.

Quick summary

["Helps track long-term blood sugar control in diabetes management."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
80416-1
Short code
HC/AC from Campbell 1977
Synonyms
HC/AC from Campbell 1977
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us-estimated-from-campbell
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

Doctors may order this test if they suspect you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, or if you already have diabetes and want to monitor how well your blood sugar is being controlled over time. It can also be used to check for conditions like kidney disease or metabolic disorders that affect glucose metabolism.

How the Test Works

Your urine is collected over 24 hours and analyzed for the presence of hemoglobin that has been modified by glucose (glycated hemoglobin). This modified hemoglobin reflects your average blood sugar levels during this period.

Sample Collection

You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting and ending with a voided sample. Store the urine in a refrigerator or freezer to preserve it until testing.

What to Expect

No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine over 24 hours. If you have kidney issues, your doctor may adjust instructions to avoid overloading your system with urine.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HbA1c Urine

Frequently asked questions

What causes false high or low results in this test?
False high results can occur if you have kidney problems, certain medications, or if the urine sample wasn’t collected or stored correctly. False low results may happen if you didn’t collect enough urine or if there was contamination (e.g., from blood or protein). Always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine how often you need this test based on your diabetes management plan. Typically, people with diabetes check their HbA1c every 3–6 months to monitor progress and adjust treatment.
Can I eat or drink normally while collecting urine for this test?
Yes, you can eat and drink as usual, but avoid excessive alcohol or sugary drinks, as they may affect your blood sugar levels and the test’s accuracy. Stick to your regular diet and hydration unless instructed otherwise.
  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