Synonyms

   Glycated Hemoglobin

Clinical Significance

   It is useful for : Diagnosis of diabetes, Evaluating the long-term control of blood glucose concentrations in patients with diabetes, Identifying patients at an increased risk for developing diabetes.

Specimen

   Whole blood EDTA

Stability

   Refrigerated (preferred) : 7 days

   Frozen : 7 days

   Ambient : 24 hours

Reference Range

   4.5 – 6.5 %

Interpretation

Diagnosing diabetes: American Diabetes Association (ADA)

   Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) : ≥ 6.5%

Therapeutic goals for glycemic control (ADA)

Adults:

   Goal of therapy : < 7.0% HbA1c

   Action suggested : > 8.0% HbA1c

Pediatric patients:

   Toddlers and preschoolers : < 8.5% (but >7.5%)

   School age (6-12 years) : < 8%

   Adolescents and young adults (13-19 years) : < 7.5%

Limitation

   This assay is not useful in determining day-to-day glucose control and should not be used to replace daily home testing of blood glucose.