HbA1c
Code:
HBA1C
Sample Type:
EDTA Whole Blood (Purple Top)
Minimum volume: 1 mL
Ref Ranges/Units:
Low risk/normal: 20 – 41.9 mmol/mol (IFCC)
High risk: 42-48 mmol/mol
Diabetic range: >48 mmol/mol
If monitoring known diabetic patient, HbA1c target range is 48-59 mmol/mol.
Results >120 mmol/mmol will be phoned to the requesting clinician.
Turnaround:
Same Day (Monday – Friday)
Stability:
3 days at 15‑25°C
7 days at 2‑8°C
6 months at −20°C
Freeze only once.
Special Precautions/Comments:
Additional Information:
HbA1c is the glycated form of adult haemoglobin (HbA). Haemoglobin has a lifespan of approximately 120 days and the amount of glycation depends on the amount of glucose present in the blood. Therefore, HbA1c is a useful marker of long-term glycaemic control.
HbA1c can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to monitor type 1 diabetes but should not be used for diagnosis (fasting glucose should be used instead).
HbA1c should not be used in any conditions that affect red cell lifespan (e.g. haemoglobinopathies, iron deficiency anaemia, splenomegaly) as this will either underestimate or overestimate the HbA1c.
South of Tyne & Wear Pathology Centre
