Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Electrophoresis
This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar, reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
["It helps doctors track diabetes control and long-term blood sugar trends."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82990-3
- Short code
- HMGCR IgG SerPl Ql Line blot
- Synonyms
- HMGCR IgG SerPl Ql Line blot
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- line-blot
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
HbA1c measures the proportion of hemoglobin molecules that have sugar (glucose) attached. This attachment is a marker of how well your body has managed blood sugar levels over time. The test is based on the principle that higher blood sugar levels lead to more sugar binding to hemoglobin, increasing the HbA1c percentage.
Why Is This Test Important?
HbA1c is crucial for diagnosing diabetes and assessing how well diabetes is being controlled. Unlike daily blood sugar checks, it provides a broader picture of your average blood sugar levels, helping prevent complications like nerve damage or kidney disease.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually during a routine visit to your healthcare provider. The sample is then processed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate and measure the different types of hemoglobin, including those with attached sugar.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
Results are typically reported as a percentage. While exact reference ranges can vary by lab, higher levels may indicate poor blood sugar control, while lower levels may suggest consistently low blood sugar or other health conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: HbA1c plays a key role in diabetes management by offering a long-term snapshot of blood sugar control. It helps doctors adjust treatment plans, such as medication or diet, to prevent complications like heart disease, nerve damage, or vision problems. Regular monitoring is essential for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Short name
HbA1c
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Does fasting affect this test?
What can affect my HbA1c results?
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