Skip to content

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with 24-hour urine collection for quantitative measurement of glycated hemoglobin and urinary albumin

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months and checks for kidney function by testing for small amounts of protein in your urine.

Quick summary

["Helps monitor diabetes management and kidney health over time."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
4628-4
Short code
Hgb Ypsilan Bld Ql
Synonyms
Hgb Ypsilan Bld Ql
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 This Test Matters for Diabetes Control

HbA1c reflects your blood sugar levels over time, giving doctors a clearer picture of how well your diabetes is managed. It’s a key tool for adjusting treatment plans, such as medication or diet.

How Urinary Albumin Detects Kidney Stress

Small amounts of albumin (a protein) in urine can indicate early kidney damage, which is common in people with diabetes. This test helps identify if your kidneys are at risk before symptoms appear.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample (starting and ending at the same time) to measure albumin. Blood is drawn to measure HbA1c. Follow your doctor’s instructions for timing and sample collection.

What the Results Mean

HbA1c results (typically reported as a percentage) show average blood sugar levels. Urine albumin results indicate protein loss, which may signal kidney strain. Both results together help assess diabetes and kidney health.

Reference range

Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

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.

This test is critical for diabetes care because it provides long-term blood sugar trends and early kidney risk detection. High HbA1c or albumin levels may prompt lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or further testing.

Short name

HbA1c + Urinary Albumin (24h)

Frequently asked questions

What does an abnormal HbA1c result mean?
An elevated HbA1c suggests your blood sugar has been consistently higher than recommended. This may mean your diabetes isn’t well-controlled and could require adjustments to your treatment plan.
Why is urinary albumin checked alongside HbA1c?
Urinary albumin helps assess kidney health, which is often affected by diabetes. Detecting early kidney damage allows for timely interventions to protect your kidneys.
Can diet affect these test results?
Yes—high-sodium diets or certain medications (like NSAIDs) may temporarily increase albumin in urine. Your doctor may ask about recent dietary changes or medications before interpreting results.
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 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.

Medical Disclaimer

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