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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

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

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

Quick summary

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

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35472-0
Short code
HEXA c.1277insTATC Bld/T Ql
Synonyms
HEXA c.1277insTATC Bld/T Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
molgen
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

What Is HbA1c Used For?

HbA1c is primarily used to diagnose diabetes and monitor how well your blood sugar is controlled over time. Unlike daily blood sugar checks, it provides a snapshot of your average glucose levels, helping healthcare providers assess whether your treatment plan is effective.

How Is HbA1c Tested?

This test involves taking a small blood sample from your arm and analyzing it using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The machine separates hemoglobin molecules based on their sugar content, allowing for precise measurement of HbA1c levels.

Why Is HbA1c Important?

Keeping HbA1c within a healthy range (typically below 5.7% for prediabetes or 6.5% or lower for diabetes) helps prevent long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems.

How Often Should You Get Tested?

If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend testing HbA1c every 3–6 months to adjust treatments and maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

HbA1c levels indicate chronic blood sugar control and are critical for diagnosing diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) or prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%). It’s not affected by short-term fluctuations like meals or stress, making it a reliable long-term marker.

Short name

HbA1c

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get HbA1c results?
Results are usually available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
Can HbA1c be affected by recent blood sugar changes?
No, HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over months, so it’s not influenced by recent meals, exercise, or acute stress.
What if my HbA1c is higher than expected?
A higher HbA1c suggests poor blood sugar control. Your doctor may adjust medications, lifestyle changes, or monitor for underlying conditions like kidney disease or anemia that could interfere with test accuracy.
  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