What Is Hemoglobin A1c Lab?

Hemoglobin A1c lab tests are used in the treatment and control of diabetes. The blood is taken from the vein by a needle, or is obtained through a finger stick. Hemoglobin A1c testing is important to the diabetic. It ensures his treatment is working as prescribed.

Identification

• A hemoglobin (hgb) A1c lab is a blood test which measures the average blood glucose levels, covering a two- to three-month time frame. The test is performed initially upon a diabetes diagnosis and repeated every 3 to 6 months.

Function

• Hemoglobin is an oxygen carrying protein inside red blood cells. According to American Diabetes Association (ADA), blood sugars (glucose) stick to the protein and the cells become glycated. The more glycated, the higher glucose levels are in the bloodstream.

Significance

• A1c test results assist health care providers to decide the appropriate action to ensure blood glucose levels are stable. Treatments may be modified based on A1c test results.

Results

• An appropriate A1c reading is less than 7 percent, according to guidelines set by the ADA. Variations either way would be cause for treatment regimens to be reviewed and adjusted if necessary.

Considerations

• Unlike the A1c test, daily monitoring of blood sugar levels are short-term indicators of blood glucose levels. Results are shown in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl) versus the A1c results, which are shown as percentages.