HbA1c Test - Price, Preparation, Range, Procedure 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to HBA1C Test

When it comes to measuring & monitor blood sugar levels, your doctor may suggest many blood tests, and HBA1C Test is one among them. Also called Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test is a blood test that can unveil a lot about your health by measuring average blood sugar levels over approximately three months. Hemoglobin is a protein found in the red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When sugar enters the bloodstream, it gets attached to hemoglobin, and its percentage is measured through this test.

The higher the glucose is bound to hemoglobin, the high HbA1C it indicates. Doctors often suggest the HbA1c Test to individuals suspected of symptoms of diabetes or who are undertaking treatment for diabetes to keep a tab on their blood sugar levels. Early diagnosis is essential for better care & management of diabetes and to prevent long-term complications. Redcliffe Labs is the doctors’ most recommended diagnostic lab that you can consider to book an A1c home test.

Hba1c Test Details In Brief:

Symptoms That Call For HBA1C Test:

Here are some symptoms & risk factors that may indicate the need for HbA1C Test. Signs you should pay attention to are:

• Frequent Urination: The frequent urge to urinate throughout the day, disrupting your routine, is the first sign that your blood sugar levels are not balanced.
• Excessive Thirst: Another common symptom indicating diabetes or prediabetes is unexplained & constant thirst, even after drinking adequate water. Excessive thirst may be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: If you are losing weight without even trying changes in your diet or routine, it could be a sign of uncontrollable blood sugar levels or diabetes. And an HbA1C Test is often used to confirm the cause of your symptom.
• Persistent Fatigue: Constant lethargy or weakness can also be key indicators that your blood sugar levels are not balanced, and preventive measures should be taken to manage them in time.
• Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can usually disrupt the eyes' lens, leading to changes in eyesight or causing blurred vision. It is a sign that you need to check your blood sugar levels.
• Slow Wound Healing: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels can interfere with the body’s ability to heal wounds. If you notice cuts or bruises taking forever to heal, it may indicate uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
• Reoccurring Infections: Elevated blood sugar levels or diabetes usually compromises the immune system, leading to frequent or recurring infections.
• Change In Appetite: Sudden or unusual increased hunger can be a symptom indicating diabetes or uncontrolled elevated blood sugar levels.

Any of the above symptoms, accompanied by other factors, contribute to the risk of prediabetes & diabetes, and therefore, getting tested in time is crucial to confirm the cause and act for better management of the condition.

Besides the above symptoms, healthcare practitioners often recommend the HbA1c Test to individuals at high risk of developing diabetes.

Factors That Contributes To High Risk For Diabetes Are:

• Obesity: Being overweight is the foremost factor that doubles one’s risk of developing diabetes. Excess body fat usually leads to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells don't respond to insulin effectively. So, healthcare practitioner often recommends this test for people who are obese.
• Family History: If you have a family history of diabetes or prediabetes, this is another factor that increases one’s risk of being affected by the disease.
• Age: As you age, your risk for developing diabetes increases too. However, it depends on an individual’s dietary or lifestyle choices.
• Underlying Medical Condition: Individuals with underlying chronic illnesses, like PCOS, high blood pressure, or a history of gestational diabetes, are also at risk for developing diabetes.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: If you are leading an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle, it could also be a sign that your blood sugar levels are elevated and should be measured & monitored in time.

It is vital to understand that having any of the risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean an individual will develop diabetes. Therefore, doctors often suggest timely testing to confirm your health status and initiate the treatment accordingly.

Other Diabetes Tests/Packges That You Can Book with Redcliffe Labs

Role Of HbA1c Test In Managing Elevated Blood Sugar Levels:

• Measure Blood Sugar Levels: HbA1c Blood Test has a significant role in measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Rather than just providing insights into current blood sugar levels, the test provides comprehensive detail on how well blood sugar has been controlled over time.
• Help Manage Diabetes: A1c Blood Test provides valuable insight into one’s blood sugar level status of an individual, which helps healthcare practitioners assess your condition, make necessary adjustments, suggest preventive measures, and prescribe the correct course of treatment to control it.
• Allows Treatment Adjustments: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps doctors check if any medication or insulin dosage adjustment is required to achieve better sugar control goals. The test helps make informed health-related decisions to prevent complications.
• Prevent Complications: Taking control of the condition early helps you prevent the progress of the disease, which can save you from experiencing the worst.

Therefore, if your healthcare practitioner has suggested HbA1c Test, getting tested in time is critical to address the condition, adjust the treatment and manage the disease before things turn ugly.

Preparations Required For HbA1c Test:

When preparing for HbA1c Test, keep the following things in mind. Here are some preparations required for the test:

• Unlike other blood tests, Hemoglobin A1c Test requires no fasting and can be done at any time of the day. You can eat or drink normally before the test.
• Inform your healthcare practitioner or phlebotomist about known pregnancies, underlying medical conditions, or medication that can potentially impact your test results.
• Follow any specific instructions related to dietary restrictions, medications & more to avoid discrepancies in the test results.
• If you have any concerns or queries regarding the Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test or the procedure, communicate with your healthcare practitioner beforehand. They can provide all the information & specific instructions that you may need to be prepared for the test to maintain accuracy in the results.

Procedure For HbA1c Test:

The HbA1c test procedure is simple and will not require so much of your time. During the examination:

• Your phlebotomist may ask you to sit calmly & comfortably.
• They will tie a band around your arm and ask you to make a fist to ensure the vein is visible.
• Once the vein is found, they will disinfect the punctured site to avoid infections.
• They will then insert a sterile syringe to collect the required amount of blood.
• The collected blood will then be transferred to the vial and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• They will then remove the band and cover the punctured site with a bandage.

The procedure is simple and has no associated risks. However, it may cause a little discomfort or pain at the time of blood drawing, and these symptoms will go away with time too. If the symptoms persist longer than usual or you experience more problems, consult your healthcare practitioner.

HbA1c Normal Range:

The normal range for the HbA1c Test can vary from individual to individual, depending on different factors. The normal range for:

HbA1c Test Result Interpretation:

If the test results are within the normal range, i.e., below 5.7%, it indicates that everything is normal and no diabetes is diagnosed. However, if you have symptoms, your doctor may ask for additional tests to confirm the cause. If the levels are between 5.7% - 6.4%, it is often considered prediabetes, and levels above the normal range indicate controlled diabetes. Doctors consider other factors along with the test results to interpret the test results. It is not good to make assumptions and take the consultation with an expert to understand the reports better and plan your actions accordingly.

HbA1c Test Sample Report - Redcliffe Labs

HbA1c Test Cost @ Redcliffe Labs

With Redcliffe Labs, you can book an HbA1c Test at just Rs 299 with free home sample collection convenience. With our aim to bring the diagnostic to your doorstep within your budget, we go beyond conventional boundaries and provide our services at highly competitive rates.

HbA1c Test Price in Different Cities

Tips To Balance Blood Sugar Levels:

Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is essential for everyone with or without diabetes. Here are some simple yet significant tips that can help:

• Limit your intake of foods that spike blood sugar levels and switch to a balanced diet.
• Secondly, be mindful of your portion size to maintain consistency in your meal and get all the benefits.
• Engage in regular physical activities, as it is essential to improve insulin sensitivity & support overall wellness.
• Take your medicines on time as prescribed, as it can otherwise hurt your health.
• Monitor your blood and follow the instructions to ensure your health doesn’t get compromised.

It is essential to remember that these are general tips that can support good health, but following the advisory of your healthcare practitioner and taking routine testing seriously is necessary to get optimal benefits. Book your HbA1c Test with Redcliffe Labs and get free doctor consultation.

Measure To Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels With HbA1c Test!

Measuring elevated blood sugar levels is the first step toward it’s better management. Therefore, if your doctor has suggested the HbA1c Test, do not take it lightly and book it with Redcliffe Labs today. With us, you can get tested comfortably from home. Do not take an imbalance in your blood sugar levels for granted. Measure, monitor & manage it well with an early HbA1c Test. So, what are you waiting for? With us, now you can even get tested within 45 minutes. Book our express slots now!