Test Overview
Test Methodology

HPLC; primary method
Immunoassay; secondary backup method

Test Usage

To assess the status of glucose metabolism, evaluate control in diabetes mellitus.

Reference Range *

Normal: 4.2 - 5.6%, Prediabetic: 5.7 - 6.5%, Diabetic: >6.5%. Target goal for a diabetic patient or therapy is <7.0%.

Test Limitations

A1c assay should not be run on infants less than 3 months old. A fetal hemoglobin level >15% will interfere with assay results. Hemoglobin variants may interfere with the A1c assay. Hemoglobin A1c testing should not be performed if patient has received multiple unit of transfused blood. Patients with no normal Hb A should not have glycemic control monitored by A1c, due to shortened half-lives of Hb variants.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday. Two runs per day; morning and afternoon.
Analytic Time

8 hours

Soft Order Code
A1C
MiChart Code
Hemoglobin A1c
Synonyms
  • A1c Hemoglobin
  • Fast Hemoglobin
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Glycosylated Hemoglobin
  • Hemoglobin, glycated
  • Hemoglobin, glycosated
  • Hemoglobin, glycosylated
  • Hgb A1c
  • HEMOGLOBIN A1c
  • A1C
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Automation
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in a lavender top tube. Fill completely. Invert specimen gently after collection to prevent clotting. Send intact specimen; do NOT centrifuge. Refrigerate.

Lavender Top Tube
Normal Volume
2 mL whole blood
Minimum Volume
2 mL whole blood
Billing
CPT Code
83036
Fee Code
20747
LOINC
17856-6
NY State Approved
No