Also Known As
A1C Test, HbA1C, Hgba1c, Hgb a1c, and Glycated Hemoglobin Test.
What Is the Purpose of the Hemoglobin A1c Test
An A1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the last three months. It’s used to help diagnose prediabetes as well as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. People who already have diabetes also use an A1c blood test to monitor their levels to ensure their blood sugar is under control.
What Does the A1c Test Measure?
The results measure the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your red blood cells that have sugar (also called glycated hemoglobin). Red blood cells typically live for three months before they die and are replaced by new cells. By measuring the amount of hemoglobin A1c, you will get an average of what your blood sugar has been over that period of time.
Who Should Take an A1c Blood Test?
If you have diabetes, your doctor may suggest a regular testing schedule to make sure your treatment plan is working or needs modification. You may also choose to track your blood sugar levels on your own with an A1c lab test a couple of times a year.
Hemoglobin A1c tests can also be employed to help diagnose diabetes, especially if you have risk factors for the disease. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include a family history of the disease or age (onset is predominantly among kids, teens, and younger adults). Type 2 diabetes risk factors include unhealthy weight, sedentary lifestyle, family history, prediabetes, and age (45 or older).
Hemoglobin A1c Test Preparation
No special preparation is necessary.
Hemoglobin A1c Lab Test Results
Your hemoglobin A1c blood test result is entered as a percentage, and can include another number that reflects your Estimated Average Glucose in mg/dL.
For diagnosing the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following guidelines:
Normal A1c percentage: Below 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
For someone who is diabetic, A1c results should be less than 7%, or the percentage that has been recommended by their physician. Typically, higher A1c test results lead to an increased risk of diabetes complications.
Where Can I Get a Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test Near Me?
Diabetes diagnosis and management are vital for maintaining your overall health. That’s why we make hemoglobin A1c tests, and other diabetes tests, easily accessible so you have greater control over your wellness.
Step 1: Order your A1c blood test online and download the lab order. (You won’t need a doctor’s approval, depending on what state you live in.)
Step 2: Visit our lab locator to find the facility nearest you among our 4,000-plus partner labs across America.
Step 3: Bring the test order to the lab and have your blood drawn.
Step 4: Accurate results will appear in your confidential Personalabs account, typically within 2 to 10 business days.
We’re here to help you at every step, whether you have questions about ordering a test or need to schedule a telehealth appointment with one of our physicians to review your results. Order our hemoglobin A1c test, and browse our selection of general wellness tests.
