Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with Donor Plasma

What This Test Measures

HbA1c reflects the percentage of hemoglobin molecules coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin). It’s a key indicator of how well your blood sugar has been managed over time, as red blood cells live for about 3 months. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing diabetes and assessing chronic blood sugar levels in people who may not have symptoms of high or low blood sugar.

Why It’s Done

Doctors order HbA1c tests to monitor diabetes management, screen for prediabetes, or evaluate long-term blood sugar control in people with chronic conditions like kidney disease or heart disease. It’s also used in pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.

How It Works

Blood is drawn and processed into donor plasma (plasma from a donor rather than your own). The test measures the proportion of glycated hemoglobin, which forms when sugar binds to hemoglobin over time. This method avoids daily fluctuations in blood sugar that could affect results from a single spot check.

What to Expect

You’ll receive donor plasma (not your own) for this test, which is processed separately from your sample. Results are typically reported as a percentage (e.g., 5.7%–6.4% may indicate prediabetes). Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.