HBA1c test

What Is an HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test, also known as the Glycated Haemoglobin Test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It does this by checking how much sugar (glucose) is attached to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells.

This test provides a long-term picture of your blood sugar control, unlike daily finger-prick tests that only show current levels. It is one of the most reliable ways to diagnose diabetes, monitor prediabetes, and track how well your treatment plan is working.

Results are given as a percentage:

• Below 5.6% is considered normal
• 5.7%–6.4% suggests prediabetes
• 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes

The test requires only a small blood sample from your arm and does not need fasting, making it simple and convenient for regular monitoring.

What Does an HbA1c Test Measure?

The HbA1c test measures two main parameters that reflect your blood sugar control:

• HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): Indicates the average percentage of sugar-bound haemoglobin in your blood.
• Estimated Average Glucose (eAG): Converts your HbA1c value into an approximate average glucose level, expressed in mg/dL, for easier understanding.

Together, these values help your doctor evaluate how effectively your diabetes is managed and whether any changes in treatment or lifestyle are needed.

HbA1c Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for an HbA1c Test?

Doctors may recommend this test if you have:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision or slow wound healing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Family history of diabetes

Who Should Get an HbA1c Test?

• Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to monitor long-term glucose control
• At high risk for diabetes (obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history)
• Pregnant with suspected gestational diabetes
• Experiencing symptoms of fluctuating blood sugar levels

Why Is an HbA1c Test Done?

• The HbA1c test provides a reliable overview of your average blood sugar levels over time. It helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, monitor how well treatment plans are working, and guide therapy adjustments for optimal control.

Importance of an HbA1c Test

• Reflects average glucose control over 2–3 months
• Helps confirm diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis as per ADA guidelines
• Guides doctors in adjusting medication, diet, or insulin therapy
• Reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications through regular monitoring
• Requires no fasting and can be performed at any time of day

HbA1c Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book the HbA1c Test and Get Your Reports

1. Simple Online Booking
   Book your HbA1c test easily through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Choose your preferred time for home sample collection or visit the nearest Metropolis Lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists collect your sample hygienically from home following strict safety protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Track your sample status in real time through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is tested at NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using advanced High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for precise results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your reports within hours via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for HbA1c Test Available Near You?

Yes. Metropolis Healthcare offers home collection for HbA1c testing, making diabetes monitoring convenient. Our experts ensure safe, comfortable, and reliable sample collection from your doorstep.

How Long Does It Take to Get an HbA1c Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 4 hours once the sample reaches the laboratory.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary based on your location.

Where Can I See or Get HbA1c Test Results?

You can view and download your HbA1c test reports using your login credentials on the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Reports are also sent via email or WhatsApp, and printed copies can be collected from your nearest lab.

Interpreting HbA1c Test Results

What Your HbA1c Test Results May Indicate

Understanding Abnormal HbA1c Test Results by Parameter

How Should You Prepare for an HbA1c Test?

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Medication disclosure: Inform your doctor about medications or supplements you take, especially for diabetes.
• Normal hydration: Drink water as usual before the test.
• Avoid illness: Postpone the test if you’re unwell, as temporary changes can affect results.
• Stay consistent: Try to take the test around the same time of day for regular monitoring.

How Is an HbA1c Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)

• Preparation: No fasting or special diet needed before the test.
• Cleaning: The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic.
• Blood Draw: A sterile needle is inserted into your arm vein to collect blood.
• Sample Collection: About 3 ml of blood is drawn into an EDTA vacutainer.
• Completion: The site is bandaged after needle removal.
• Processing: The blood sample is analysed using HPLC technology for precise HbA1c and eAG calculation.

Conditions That May Affect HbA1c Test Accuracy

Certain factors can affect the accuracy of your HbA1c results:

• Anaemia or low haemoglobin: May cause falsely low readings.
• Haemoglobin variants: Such as HbS or HbC, may interfere with the test.
• Kidney or liver disease: Can alter red blood cell lifespan and affect results.
• Recent blood transfusion: Can distort HbA1c values.
• Severe bleeding or iron deficiency: May lower glycated haemoglobin levels.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Can increase HbA1c readings temporarily.

Diseases That an HbA1c Test Can Help Detect

• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Prediabetes (borderline high glucose)
• Gestational diabetes (in pregnancy)
• Metabolic syndrome
• Chronic complications of diabetes (heart, kidney, nerve, or eye damage)

References

1. American Diabetes Association. (2017). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2017. Diabetes Care, 40(Suppl 1), S1–S135. PMID: 27979889
2. Nathan D.M., Kuenen J., Borg R., et al. (2008). Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care, 31(8), 1473–1478. PMID: 18540046
3. Little R.R., Rohlfing C.L., Sacks D.B. (2019). Status of Hemoglobin A1c Measurement and Goals for Improvement. Clin Chem, 65(4), 465–475. PMID: 30877209
4. Weykamp C. (2013). HbA1c: A Review of Analytical and Clinical Aspects. Ann Lab Med, 33(6), 393–400. PMID: 24205420