Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with calculated glycated albumin ratio
This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months by analyzing hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) and glycated albumin (a protein in your blood affected by glucose exposure). It helps assess long-term blood sugar control.
["This test provides insight into how well your blood sugar has been managed over time, beyond just recent readings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97550-8
- Short code
- Hgb BldCV Calc-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Hgb BldCV Calc-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
- Method
- calculated
- 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 This Test Matters for Blood Sugar Management
HbA1c alone gives a broad picture of your average glucose levels, but combining it with glycated albumin offers a more nuanced view—especially useful for people with shorter-term fluctuations or certain conditions. This combination helps identify trends that single tests might miss.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is analyzed to measure two things: (1) HbA1c, which reflects long-term glucose exposure via hemoglobin, and (2) glycated albumin, which reflects more recent glucose exposure via albumin. The test then calculates a ratio to compare these two measures.
What the Results Mean
While HbA1c is typically reported as a standalone percentage, the glycated albumin ratio provides additional context. For example, if your glycated albumin is unusually high relative to HbA1c, it may suggest recent spikes in blood sugar that weren’t captured by HbA1c alone.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Results may vary due to factors like recent illness, stress, or changes in diet/exercise. If your ratio is high, it could indicate temporary blood sugar instability, while persistently low ratios might suggest chronic undercontrol.
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: Beyond Standard HbA1c
Short name
HbA1c + Glycated Albumin Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does a high glycated albumin ratio indicate?
Why would my doctor order both HbA1c and glycated albumin?
How often should I get 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