Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test(HbA1c; GHb; Glycohemoglobin; Diabetic Control Index)
by
Urmila R. Parlikar, MS DefinitionA glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein found in blood red cells) that has attached to glucose. The higher your blood sugar is, the more that glucose gets attached to your hemoglobin.
Reasons for Test TOPHbA1c shows how high your blood sugar levels have been during the past 3 months.
Possible Complications TOPThere are no major complications associated with this test. What to Expect TOPDescription of TestYou will be asked to sit. An area inside your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. A large band will be tied around your arm. The needle will then be inserted into a vein. A tube will collect the blood from the needle. The band on your arm will be removed. After all the blood is collected, the needle will be removed. Some gauze will be placed over the site to help stop bleeding. You may also be given a bandage to place over the site. The process takes about 5-10 minutes. After TestApply pressure to the site until bleeding stops. How Long Will It Take? TOPLess than 5 minutes Will It Hurt? TOPIt may hurt slightly when the needle is inserted. Results TOPIf your HbA1c levels are high and you have never been diagnosed with type diabetes talk to your doctor about what to do next Talk to your doctor about what goal is right for you. If your HbA1c levels are high, you may need a change in treatment, such as:
Talk with your doctor about when you should be tested again. Call Your Doctor TOPAfter the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org National Diabetes Education Program http://ndep.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca References:
American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2014.
Diabetes Care. 2014 Jan;37 Suppl 1:S14-80. Diabetes mellitus type 1. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed August 29, 2017. Glycemic control monitoring. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114088. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed August 29, 2017. HbA1c measurement. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900926/HbA1c-measurement. Updated February 13, 2017. Accessed August 29, 2017. Last reviewed September 2017 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 8/29/20175 | |
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