Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with mass concentration measurement by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the average level of hemoglobin A1c in your blood over the past 2–3 months, reflecting your blood sugar control during that time.
["HbA1c helps doctors track diabetes management and adjust treatment plans."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54068-2
- Short code
- Hgb O-Arab MFr DBS
- Synonyms
- Hgb O-Arab MFr DBS
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What HbA1c Measures
HbA1c is a form of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) that has been linked to glucose (sugar) over time. It’s a reliable indicator of how well your blood sugar has been controlled during this period.
How It’s Used in Care
Healthcare providers use HbA1c to assess long-term blood sugar levels, helping to diagnose diabetes, monitor treatment effectiveness, and prevent complications like nerve damage or kidney disease.
Why It Matters for You
Regular HbA1c testing is crucial for people with diabetes or prediabetes to stay on track with lifestyle and medication changes that keep blood sugar stable.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A small blood sample is taken from your arm, similar to a routine blood draw. The test is quick and painless.
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: HbA1c is a gold-standard marker for chronic blood sugar management. Values above or below reference ranges may signal poor control, undiagnosed diabetes, or other metabolic conditions requiring further evaluation.
Short name
HbA1c
Frequently asked questions
Why might my HbA1c be checked?
What do my HbA1c results mean?
Can HbA1c results change over time?
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