Hemoglobin A1c Test

Hemoglobin A1c Test

Detect abnormal blood sugar levels. Healthcare providers use this test to help determine whether you're at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$39.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Measures the level of sugar-coated hemoglobin protein in the blood.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. This blood test helps determine whether you’re at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you have diabetes, HbA1c testing can help you and your healthcare provider know how well you're managing your blood sugar levels over time. An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage of HbA1c indicates higher blood sugar levels.

Hemoglobin is a protein found only in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches and sticks to hemoglobin molecules to form Hemoglobin A1c. The hemoglobin A1c test is an important tool used by healthcare professionals for the screening, diagnosis, and management of prediabetes and diabetes. This blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

Blood glucose is the main sugar found in your bloodstream. The sugar comes from the food you eat and supplies energy to all cells in the body. However, it needs to stay within safe levels to reduce the risk of diabetes and associated disorders, such as heart disease. Your body also needs insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps store glucose in the liver, muscles, and fat; controls the amount of glucose in your blood; and regulates how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When you don't have enough insulin or it isn't working properly, the body cannot effectively process blood sugar, resulting in high blood sugar levels and, ultimately, diabetes. If high blood sugar levels are left untreated, you may develop a chronic health condition that may lead to damage to many bodily systems, including blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, skin disorders, and an increased risk for limb amputation.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes may be hard to recognize or go unnoticed. You may consider discussing your risk factors for diabetes with your healthcare provider or getting an HbA1c Test if you're experiencing the following symptoms:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Excessive hunger
Extreme fatigue
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Blurred vision
Yeast infections
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin
Slow-healing cuts, bruises, or sores
Pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands, feet, or legs
Nausea and vomiting
Extremely dry skin
Frequent infections
Darkening and thickening of the skin on the neck, elbows, underarms, knuckles, groin, or knees

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you. Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

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After your purchase, schedule an appointment at a nearby Quest Diagnostics location and have your specimen sample collected by a trained healthcare professional.

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Access test results from your phone as soon as they’re available, with the option to discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your healthcare provider, family, or friends.

FAQs

What's the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, previously named juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body mistakenly attacks normal beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children but can develop later. Currently, there is no known prevention for type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, but it can affect individuals of all ages. In most people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body cannot use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.

How is HbA1c different from my daily glucose level monitoring?

The HbA1c Test gives you a percentage of your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. Routine glucose monitoring tells you your blood sugar level each time you test. Both tests are important for the management of diabetes. Knowing your HbA1c is crucial, but it's not a substitute for routine self-monitoring.

Are there other names for this test?

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is also known as the A1c, HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, glycohemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1c test.

What are the risk factors for type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that can affect anyone, but it is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. You're at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes if you have a parent or sibling living with this health condition.

What are the risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common and certain conditions can put you at risk. Risk factors include:

Age 35 or older
Those who are overweight or obese and have certain risk factors:
- Family history (parent or sibling) of type 2 diabetes
- Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander race or ethnicity
- History of heart disease or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and/or high triglyceride level
- Being physically inactive
- Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- History of gestational diabetes
Prediabetes, which is an elevated blood glucose level that is not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes
HIV positive

What lifestyle changes can I make to lower my HbA1c?

You can help to lower your HbA1c levels by making several lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, managing your weight, and taking medications as prescribed. Making healthy lifestyle changes and sticking to them are both crucial.

What does a high HbA1c mean?

An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage indicates higher blood sugar levels.

Our references

¹National Diabetes Statistics Report https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html