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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 are functioning by checking how quickly creatinine leaves your body through urine.

Quick summary

["Helps track diabetes management and kidney health in one test."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
60451-2
Short code
HEDIS 2011-12 PPC-C HSV
Synonyms
HEDIS 2011-12 PPC-C HSV
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 HbA1c Measures

HbA1c reflects your blood sugar levels over time by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin molecules attached to glucose. It’s a key indicator of long-term diabetes control, helping doctors assess whether your treatment plan is working effectively.

How Creatinine Clearance Works

Creatinine clearance measures how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. By comparing the amount of creatinine in your urine to your blood, doctors can estimate kidney function and detect early signs of kidney disease.

Why This Test Matters Together

Combining HbA1c with creatinine clearance provides a fuller picture of your health. High HbA1c suggests poor blood sugar control, while abnormal creatinine levels may indicate kidney strain, especially in people with diabetes.

What to Expect Before the Test

For creatinine clearance, you’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample in a special container. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. No special preparation is needed for HbA1c alone.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

High HbA1c levels often signal uncontrolled diabetes, increasing risks for heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems. Creatinine clearance helps identify kidney dysfunction early, which is critical for preventing long-term damage in people with diabetes or other risk factors.

Short name

HbA1c + Kidney Function Test

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need both tests together?
This combined test helps doctors monitor both your blood sugar control and kidney function at once, reducing the need for multiple visits and tests. It’s especially useful for people with diabetes to catch potential kidney issues early.
What does a high creatinine clearance mean?
A high creatinine clearance suggests your kidneys are working better than average, which may indicate healthy kidney function. However, this test alone doesn’t replace a full kidney function evaluation (like GFR) and should be interpreted with other clinical factors.
Can I eat or drink normally before the urine collection?
Yes, you can eat and drink as usual, but you must collect all urine for 24 hours, including at night. If you’re unsure, ask your lab or doctor for specific guidance tailored to your situation.
  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