HbA1c
- 1 Test included
- 300+ Booked in last 7 days
Why should you book this package?
- Free consultations with top Doctors
- Sample pickup at home
- Online reports within 48 hours
Glycated Hemoglobin Test: Procedure & Results Interpretation
What is a HbA1c test?
A HbA1c blood test measures the average percentage of blood sugar (glucose), also known as glycosylated hemoglobin that is attached to your hemoglobin over the past 3 months. Haemoglobin is a substance in the RBCs that carries and transports oxygen to various tissues in the body. The lifespan of a human red blood cell is approximately 115 days. Thus, the HbA1c blood test measures the three-month average of blood sugar in the body. A Hba1c blood test is also known as a glycated hemoglobin test or hemoglobin A1c test. It is a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled in the body.
A general physician may recommend a glycated hemoglobin test for the following reasons:
Why do I need a glycated hemoglobin test?
A glycated hemoglobin test or HbA1 test can be used to effectively check for diabetes or pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a state where your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal HbA1c level, thereby increasing the risk of developing diabetes. If you have diabetes, you may need a glycosylated hemoglobin A1c test to check if your blood sugar control is good. If you do not have diabetes, a general physician may recommend a hemoglobin A1c test if you show the following diabetes symptoms:
- Severe fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Abnormal urination
- Blurred vision
A general physician may also recommend a hypercholesterolemia or HbA1c test if you are diagnosed with conditions that increase your risk of developing diabetes. The risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Physical inactivity
- Underlying heart diseases
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
What happens during the glycated hemoglobin test?
During the glycated hemoglobin test, a phlebotomist will inject a needle into the vein of your arm to draw blood. The blood sample is collected into a test tube or vial for further analysis. You may feel a sting in the injected area, but the pain goes away after the process is completed. The HbA1c test gets over in just 5 minutes.
Your blood sample will be sent to skilled laboratory professionals who will analyze the sample for glycosylated HB% using specialized medical technology. The medical reports will be uploaded to your profile on the MedKare app within 24-72 hours. You can avail of your free consultation with a general physician who will recommend further tests, medicines, or direct you to a diabetologist if required.
What do the results of a glycated hemoglobin test mean?
Hemoglobin A1c test results are read as percentages. The following are the HbA1c test results interpretations:
- HbA1c below 5.7%: This result indicates a normal amount of blood sugar attached to the hemoglobin.
- HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4%: This result indicates the likelihood of pre-diabetes. A general doctor will ask you to make lifestyle modifications to decrease your risk of developing diabetes.
- Hba1c above 6.5%: This result indicates a high glycated hemoglobin count or diabetes. Your doctor may direct you to a diabetologist who can provide you with specialized diabetes treatment. A diabetologist will understand your health condition and prescribe you with medicines and other lab tests if required.
How do I book a HbA1c blood test online?
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we, at MedKare, understand your need for medical assistance to arrive at your doorstep. If you are wondering how to measure your fasting blood glucose level, book a home appointment, A phlebotomist will arrive promptly at your doorstep to perform the home blood sugar test. They will collect your HbA1c blood sample and send it for complete analysis by skilled laboratory professionals. Your home blood sugar test results will be uploaded to your profile on the MedKare. After receiving your glycosylated HB% results, you can avail of your free consultation with a general physician who will recommend further tests, lifestyle changes, or direct you to a diabetologist, if required.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A HbA1c blood test measures the average percentage of blood sugar (glucose) attached to your hemoglobin over the past 3 months. The lifespan of a human red blood cell is 3 months. Thus, the HbA1c blood test measures the three-month average of blood sugar in the body. A Hba1c test is also known as a glycated hemoglobin test or hemoglobin A1c test.
A general physician in Bengaluru may recommend a HbA1c test for the following reasons:
-To perform a diabetes check to see if your HbA1c levels are within the normal glycosylated Hb% range.
-If you show symptoms of diabetes such as,
- Severe fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Abnormal urination
- Blurred vision
-If you are diagnosed with chronic diseases like obesity, hypertension, cholesterol, heart diseases, or PCOS. These health conditions can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
Since the hemoglobin A1c test measures your three-month average of blood glucose, it does not require any temporary diet modifications like fasting. A glycated hemoglobin test can be performed during any time of the day. However, it is usually scheduled along with the fasting blood glucose test, in which case you might have to observe fasting for at least 6-8 hours between your last meal and the time of the test.
You do not need a doctor’s prescription for a hemoglobin A1c test. However, if you are concerned about having high blood sugar, it is advisable to consult a general physician in Bengaluru who can recommend appropriate lab tests and health check-ups.
About Us
MedKare
MedKare is a holistic healthcare company that aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable in the country. In order to streamline the functioning of the health industry, we have brought doctors, pharmacists, phlebotomists and consumers under one digital ambit. This will save you from the burden of waiting in long queues, riding to a medical store or visiting a doctor.
