Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test

What is a Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test?

The glycated hemoglobin test, commonly known as the HbA1c test, is a crucial test doctors recommend to track blood sugar control in people with diabetes. It is a simple blood test that provides a bigger picture of your average blood sugar levels over a few weeks or months, unlike the regular blood sugar tests that provide information for just that moment.

The top Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) tests are available in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Noida, Chennai.

Here are a few important pointers:

The HbA1c test measures how much glucose is attached to haemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of your body.
This blood sugar test hba1c plays a crucial role in managing diabetes as it provides an overall view of what your average blood sugar levels have been over several weeks.
For people suffering from diabetes, having this test at regular intervals according to the doctor's advice is important as it helps them see if their diabetes treatment plan is working.

So, whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing it for some time, remember to include the HbA1c blood sugar test as part of your health check-up routine. It can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels and take steps towards better health!

What is the Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test Price?

The price for this test can vary based on several factors. Some of these factors include:

Test City: Prices differ across different cities in India. The HbA1c test price might be slightly higher in cities like Mumbai or Bangalore than in smaller cities or towns due to the high cost of living and operational expenses. You can always check the price across diverse cities to find an option that suits your budget.
Demand for the Test: The demand for HbA1c blood tests can also influence the price. Higher demand may lead to a slight increase in prices and vice versa.
Comprehensive Add-Ons: Some laboratories offer comprehensive packages that include the HbA1c test as part of an overall health check-up. These comprehensive packages are generally more cost-effective than opting for individual tests. Also, extra services like post-test consultation with a doctor, home sample collection, and quick report generation could affect the HbA1c test price.
Laboratory Type: The reputation and quality standard of the laboratory conducting the test also affects the price. Premium laboratories might charge more, but they usually offer superior service and accuracy in their results.
Discounts and Promotions: Keep an eye out for discounts and promotional offers. Many laboratories offer attractive discounts on their health packages from time to time, especially during festive seasons or health awareness months.

Apollo 24|7's HbA1c test price is very competitive and will offer you complete value for your money. While it's vital to be mindful of the HbA1c test price, it's equally important to not compromise on the quality of your healthcare. Remember that timely investment in preventive health check-ups like the HbA1c blood test can save you from expensive treatments in the long run.

What is the Purpose of the Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test?

The HbA1c, Glycated Hemoglobin purpose varies across various health scenarios:

Diagnosis of Diabetes: First and foremost, the HbA1c test is used for diagnosing diabetes. If your doctor suggests you get an HbA1c blood test, it usually means he or she wants to check if you have prediabetes or diabetes.
Treatment Monitoring: It also plays an important role in monitoring your diabetes. If you are already diagnosed with diabetes, the HbA1c test can monitor your sugar levels over the past two to three months, helping your doctor adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Other Health Conditions: The HbA1c test is also used to predict potential health complications associated with diabetes. A high HbA1c level in the blood can indicate an increased risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Who Should Get a Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test Done?

So, who should consider taking this crucial test? The following is a group of people who should prioritise getting this test done:

People with Diabetes: If you are a diabetic patient, regular HbA1c blood tests are paramount. They provide a clear picture of how well your blood sugar levels have been managed over the previous few months. Even if you routinely perform home glucose monitoring, the HbA1c test can tell you more about your overall control.
Pre-Diabetic Individuals: If your doctor has told you that you're at risk of developing diabetes due to factors like obesity or family history, getting an HbA1c test is a good idea. It will give an accurate baseline to monitor changes in your blood sugar over time.
People with Unexplained Symptoms: If you've been experiencing unexplained fatigue, frequent urination, excessive thirst or sudden weight loss, it might be worth considering an HbA1c blood test. These are often signs of high blood sugar levels and could indicate undiagnosed diabetes.
Regular Health Check-up: Even if you don't fall into any of the above categories, getting a routine Hba1c test during your annual health check-up can be beneficial. It helps in the early detection and prevention of diabetes.

Components of a Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test

The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test is a comprehensive assessment offering valuable insights into your average blood sugar levels over several weeks. This test consists of three major components:

HbA1c, Glycated Haemoglobin: This is the foremost part of the test and is used to measure the amount of sugar (glucose) attached to haemoglobin in your red blood cells. The higher the HbA1c, the greater your risk of developing complications from diabetes.
Estimated Average Glucose (EAG): This component translates the HbA1c reading into a daily blood glucose level. It can give you an idea of what your average blood glucose level was for the past few months.
Comments (Optional): This section is optional but it provides a space for any additional notes or observations that may be helpful for your doctor to understand your condition better.

Understanding Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test Report

Glycosylated hemoglobin normal range, borderline range and high range are as follows:

Parameter	Normal Range	Borderline Range	High Range
HbA1c, Glycated Haemoglobin	< 5.7%	5.7% to 6.4%	6.5% or higher
Estimated Average Glucose (EAG)	< 117 mg/dl	117–137 mg/dl	137 mg/dl or higher

Note: These values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory, age, sex, and underlying conditions. Also, the 'Comments' component was not included in the table above as these are optional; testing of these is conditional depending on the results of other tests.

HbA1c, Glycated Haemoglobin

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Poor blood sugar control over the preceding months Increased risk of diabetes-related complications	Low blood sugar levels Increased risk of hypoglycaemia-related complications

Estimated Average Glucose (EAG)

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Poor blood sugar control over the measured period Uncontrolled diabetes Increased risk of diabetes-related complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, cardiovascular problems, and eye issues	Low blood sugar levels Increased risk of hypoglycaemia-related symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and sweating

Preparation and Procedure for Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Blood Test

Before undergoing the blood test, it's crucial to understand the test. HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin preparation and procedure are involved in ensuring accurate results. You will learn how to prepare for the test in the following subsections.

How is the Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test Done?

The HbA1c test is conducted in the following manner:

HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin preparation:

Generally, there's no specific preparatory measure required for the HbA1c blood test.
Unlike other medical tests, there is no need to fast or alter your diet before getting this blood test.
However, it's always better to discuss with your doctor if you are taking any medication or have any existing health conditions or allergies, as they may interfere with the test results.

HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin procedure:

The lab assistant will ensure you are comfortable before starting the procedure.
A band is wrapped tightly around your upper arm to make your veins more visible.
After cleaning the intended area with an antiseptic, a needle is inserted into a vein by the doctor.
Blood is drawn into a tube attached to the needle.
Once sufficient blood is collected, the needle is withdrawn.
The puncture site is covered with a small gauze pad or cotton ball to stop bleeding.
The collected blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.

Is Fasting Required for a Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test?

One comforting aspect of this test is that fasting is not required! Unlike some other blood tests, you don't need to abstain from eating or drinking for a certain period before this test. The HbA1c test measures how your body has managed your blood sugar over an extended period, so short-term changes like fasting don’t impact the results.

What Time of the Day Should I Undergo a Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test?

There's no specific time of the day that's best for an HbA1c blood test. It can be done at any time that suits you as it doesn't require fasting.

Booking Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test Online and Checking Reports

Scheduling and reviewing an HbA1c test can be done conveniently from the comfort of your home, thanks to digital advancements within the healthcare sector. Here's how you can book your test on Apollo 24|7.

What are the Steps to Schedule a Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test on Apollo 24|7?

The steps to schedule an HbA1c test on Apollo 24|7 are straightforward:

Log into Apollo 24|7: Start by logging into your account on the Apollo 24|7 website. If you don't have an account, it's easy to create one.
Search for the Test: Once logged in, search for 'HbA1c Test' in the search bar.
Book the Test: You'll see various options related to the HbA1c blood test. Click on the desired option to get details about the HbA1c test price and other information. Then, click 'Book Now'.
Enter Details: Provide details like name, contact information, and preferred date and time for sample collection.
Confirm Booking: Review all details and confirm your booking by proceeding with payment.

How Do I Access My Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

You will receive an SMS/email notification when your test reports are ready. You can check your reports by following these steps:

Log into Apollo 24|7.
Go to the 'My Reports' section.
Click on the HbA1c Test report to view it.

In case there are any abnormalities or if your results fall outside the normal range, a consultation with a doctor is advised. However, if all is well and within normal ranges, continue with a healthy lifestyle.

Remember, regular monitoring of your HbA1c levels is essential if you have diabetes. It shows your average blood sugar control over the last two to three months and helps your doctor curate your treatment plan. This online booking option makes it easy to stay on top of your health from the comfort of your home.

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