High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Analysis of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with Quantitative Measurement
This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (HbA1c), reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
["HbA1c helps doctors assess long-term blood sugar control for diabetes management."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55783-5
- Short code
- Hgb Barts Bld Ql HPLC
- Synonyms
- Hgb Barts Bld Ql HPLC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- hplc
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- 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?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor how well your blood sugar is controlled over time, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for it. It’s a key tool for adjusting treatment plans, like medication or diet, to keep your blood sugar within healthy ranges.
What Does the Test Measure?
HbA1c measures the proportion of hemoglobin molecules that have sugar (glucose) attached to them. This reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past few months, as red blood cells live about 3–4 months. A higher HbA1c percentage suggests higher average blood sugar levels.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a healthcare professional. The sample is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the precise percentage of HbA1c.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a percentage (e.g., 5.7%, 6.5%, 7.0%). While specific ranges vary by lab, higher percentages often indicate poorer blood sugar control, which may require lifestyle changes or medical adjustments.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HbA1c (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
What does an HbA1c test measure exactly?
Can HbA1c levels change quickly?
Is fasting required for 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