Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar, reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
["HbA1c helps doctors track diabetes control and long-term blood sugar trends."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30353-7
- Short code
- Hgb BldCoV-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Hgb BldCoV-mCnc
- 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
- 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
What HbA1c Measures
HbA1c reflects how well your blood sugar has been managed over time. It’s tied to the amount of glucose (sugar) that has attached to your red blood cells, which live for about 3 months. This test is a key tool for diagnosing diabetes and assessing treatment effectiveness.
Why It Matters in Diabetes Care
Regular HbA1c testing helps prevent complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems by ensuring your blood sugar stays within a healthy range. It’s especially important for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
How It’s Done
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a phlebotomist. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using HPLC to separate and measure hemoglobin variants, including HbA1c.
What to Expect Before or After
No special preparation is needed, but you may feel slight discomfort from the needle. Afterward, you might experience a small bruise or swelling at the site. If you’re on blood thinners, check with your doctor first.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HbA1c
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal HbA1c result mean?
Can HbA1c be affected by other health conditions?
How often should I get an HbA1c 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