Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with Electrophoresis
This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin A1c in your blood, which reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. The electrophoresis portion helps separate different types of hemoglobin variants.
["HbA1c helps track long-term blood sugar control, while electrophoresis provides additional insight into hemoglobin structure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35125-4
- Short code
- Hgb Lepore MFr Bld
- Synonyms
- Hgb Lepore MFr Bld
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor diabetes management, assess blood sugar trends, or investigate unusual hemoglobin patterns. HbA1c is particularly useful for patients with diabetes to avoid frequent blood sugar fluctuations.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, typically in a vein. The test may require additional processing to separate hemoglobin types via electrophoresis.
What Does the Result Mean?
The HbA1c percentage indicates average blood sugar levels, while electrophoresis results identify any abnormal hemoglobin variants (e.g., sickle cell trait). Results are interpreted by your provider based on clinical context.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated HbA1c often signals uncontrolled diabetes, while abnormal electrophoresis may reveal genetic hemoglobin disorders (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease). Other factors like anemia or blood loss can also affect results.
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 Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
What questions might I have about this test?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before 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