Hba1c glycated hemoglobin test

HbA1c GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN

DESCRIPTION – a glycated hemoglobin test measures the amount of glucose in your blood. The test is often called A1c, or sometimes HbA1c. it’s a simple blood test used to: detect prediabetes – high sugar levels that can lead to diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

METHODOLOGY – quantitative capillary electrophoresis

TURN AROUND TIME – 1-2 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – lavender (EDTA), pink (potassium EDTA)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – transport 1 ml whole blood in original tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 72 hours; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 3 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – tissue or urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory