| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Hemoglobin A1c
MessagePerforming Lab: Central Lab, Lakeview, Sartell, Westfields
Test Code
0178
Alias/See Also
Sunquest: A1C
CPT Codes
83036
Preferred Specimen
2.0 mL EDTA (lavender-top) whole blood
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
EDTA (pink-top)
Instructions
Collection:
Interference may be seen if collection vial is not filled to minimum levels.
5 mL tube: 1.0 mL Whole Blood
3 mL tube: 0.5 mL Whole Blood
Capiject tube: 0.25 mL Whole Blood
Interference may be seen if collection vial is not filled to minimum levels.
5 mL tube: 1.0 mL Whole Blood
3 mL tube: 0.5 mL Whole Blood
Capiject tube: 0.25 mL Whole Blood
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lakeivew: Room Temperature (3 days), Refrigerated (7 days)
Lakeivew: Room Temperature (3 days), Refrigerated (7 days)
Methodology
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Setup Schedule
Monday - Saturday
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
4.3 - 5.6%
For Patients not previously diagnosed with diabetes:
5.7 - 6.4%: increased risk for diabetes (pre-diabetic)
>6.5%: Diagnostic for diabetes
For diabetic patients:
<8.0%: Goal of therapy for ages 18-75 (physicians may recommend a higher or lower goal for specific individuals)
For Patients not previously diagnosed with diabetes:
5.7 - 6.4%: increased risk for diabetes (pre-diabetic)
>6.5%: Diagnostic for diabetes
For diabetic patients:
<8.0%: Goal of therapy for ages 18-75 (physicians may recommend a higher or lower goal for specific individuals)
Clinical Significance
The A1c test is used primarily to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. The goal of those with diabetes is to keep their blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This helps to minimize the complications caused by chronically elevated glucose levels, such as progressive damage to body organs like the kidneys, eyes, cardiovascular system, and nerves. The A1c test provides a picture of the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last few months. This can help you and your doctor know if the measures you are taking to control your diabetes are successful or need to be adjusted.
The A1c test is frequently used to help newly diagnosed diabetics determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained.
The A1c test is frequently used to help newly diagnosed diabetics determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained.
