What is a Hemoglobin A1c test and what does it do?
The hemoglobin A1c test is a blood test ordered by a doctor and performed in a lab. A1c test results show the average amount of sugar (glucose) that has been in a person’s blood over the last two to three months. The results give healthcare professionals the information they need to make appropriate adjustments to their patient’s treatment plan to prevent complications. An A1c test is a measure of a patient’s diabetes control over time and is not a substitute for daily blood glucose testing. What does the A1c test measure? Sugar in the bloodstream can become attached to the hemoglobin (the part of the cell that carries oxygen) in red blood cells. The higher the blood sugar level, the more sugar attaches to red blood cells. The hemoglobin A1c test measures the amount of sugar sticking to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Results are given in percentages. A score of less than 6 percent is typical among people who don’t have diabetes, according to the American Association of Clinical
