It is a compound consisting of glucose and a heme protein. Glucose molecules permanently combine with a protein in the blood. This process is named glycation. These proteins include albumin, the principal protein in the fluid portion of blood (fructosamine). Glucose also binds to hemoglobin which is also a protein (the major protein inside the red blood cells). This complex is called Hemoglobin A1c. The more the glucose is in the blood, the more it binds to proteins. Since the lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days, Glycated Hemoglobin reflects the average blood glucose for 2-3 months while the other serum proteins have a half life of 14-21 days in. So Hemoglobin A1c is a valuable test to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. It is also used to manage diabetes excluding short term fluctations.
Interpretation: If HBA1c levels are high, it may be a sign of diabetes, a chronic condution causing heart disease, kidney diseases and nerve damages. According to American Diabetes Association, HbA1c levels above 5.7-6.4% signals prediabetes. Type II diabetes is diagnosed at above 6.5%.
Sample: Arm vein plasma (EDTA). Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Same day 6:00 PM