HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c), blood
Clinical Background:
HbA1c is a modified haemoglobin where a glucose is attached to the N-terminal valine of the beta chain of adult haemoglobin.
HbA1c measurement has two roles. The primary role is in the monitoring o...
HbA1c is a modified haemoglobin where a glucose is attached to the N-terminal valine of the beta chain of adult haemoglobin.
HbA1c measurement has two roles. The primary role is in the monitoring of glucose control in individuals with diabetes. More recently, under certain limitations, HbA1c has also been approved for use in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes by the WHO.
HbA1c reflects glucose control over the lifespan of the red blood cell which is approximately 120 days.
The use of HbA1c is limited to patients that have a normal red cell lifespan and that have only normal adult haemoglobin (HbA0) present, though it may be possible to provide HbA1c for monitoring purposes in individuals with certain haemoglobinopathy traits such as HbS and HbC trait.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
EDTA whole blood
EDTA whole blood
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
EDTA whole blood
EDTA whole blood
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
Patient must be over 1 year of age
Patient must be over 1 year of age
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Sample Stability:
2 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-4°C
2 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-4°C
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Reference Ranges:
Non-diabetic: less than 42mmol/mol (IFCC)
Inadequate control: greater than 58mmol/mol (IFCC)
Diagnostic of diabetes: greater than 47mmol/mol (IFCC) **
** WHO guidance (2011) should be referred to f...
Read MoreNon-diabetic: less than 42mmol/mol (IFCC)
Inadequate control: greater than 58mmol/mol (IFCC)
Diagnostic of diabetes: greater than 47mmol/mol (IFCC) **
** WHO guidance (2011) should be referred to for diagnostic limitations
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Other Info:
Fluoride oxalate and lithium heparin whole blood samples also acceptable
Fluoride oxalate and lithium heparin whole blood samples also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email: