Why is this procedure done?
A glycosylated hemoglobin test is sometimes known as a Hemoglobin A1c or Hgb A1c. It measures sugar levels in your blood cells. Sugar levels are also known as glucose levels. Glycosylated hemoglobin is a protein that has sugar attached to it. When you have a high sugar level in your blood, you have more sugar attached to your hemoglobin. This test measures the average amount of sugar in the blood over the past 2 to 3 months. It can tell how well a persons diabetes is being controlled. It is also used to test if you have diabetes. ‚
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What will the results be?
This test will show how well your blood sugar is controlled. This test will also tell your doctor if any changes in your diabetes drugs are needed. ‚
- Normal levels for most adults who do not have diabetes are a Hgb A1c of less than 5.7%.
- Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you are at a higher risk of diabetes.
- Levels over 6.5% on two separate tests most often means you have diabetes or another illness affecting your blood sugar.
- Doctors will often want a patient with diabetes to keep their Hgb A1c level less than 7%.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your sugar levels. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/a1c/tab/test ‚
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/a1c/?keymatch=A1C ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/diabetes_center/words_know/hba1c.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚