Skip to content

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with 24-hour urine collection for creatinine clearance

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

This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months and evaluates how well your kidneys filter waste from your urine. It helps assess both diabetes control and kidney function together.

Quick summary

["HbA1c tracks long-term blood sugar while urine creatinine clearance checks kidney health—both critical for managing chronic conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22360-2
Short code
HTLV I IgG Ser Ql
Synonyms
HTLV I IgG Ser Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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

Why This Test Matters for Diabetes Management

HbA1c reflects your blood sugar control over time, giving doctors a clearer picture than daily glucose readings alone. It’s a key tool for diagnosing diabetes and adjusting treatment plans.

How the Urine Creatinine Clearance Works

This part of the test estimates how well your kidneys remove waste (creatinine) from your blood. It helps determine if your kidneys are functioning properly alongside your diabetes management.

What to Expect Before the Test

For HbA1c: No special preparation is needed. For urine creatinine clearance: You’ll provide a 24-hour urine sample (collect all urine for 24 hours). Follow your doctor’s instructions for timing and storage.

Common Results and Next Steps

Results may be reported as a combined ratio or separate values. High HbA1c (above typical reference ranges) suggests poor diabetes control, while abnormal urine clearance may signal kidney issues requiring further evaluation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HbA1c + Urine Creatinine Clearance

Frequently asked questions

What does an elevated HbA1c mean?
An elevated HbA1c indicates your blood sugar has been consistently higher than recommended, which can increase risks for long-term complications like nerve damage or kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust medications or lifestyle strategies to lower it.
Why is urine creatinine clearance important?
This test helps assess kidney function, which is vital for patients with diabetes. Poor kidney function can affect how well medications clear from your body, so it’s important to monitor closely.
Can I fast before this test?
No fasting is required for HbA1c, but for urine creatinine clearance, you must collect all urine for 24 hours without skipping any. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions to ensure accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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