| Laboratory: | Clinical Biochemistry | ||||
| Test Name: |
HEMOGLOBIN A1C - (B)
Test Code:
GYHB
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| Clinical Information: |
Test Indications: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing is used for monitoring long term glycemic control in diabetic patients. The HbA1c level reflects the average blood glucose level during the preceeding 2 to 3 months. The risk of diabetes complications such as diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy increases with poor metabolic control. HbA1c measurement is therefore a useful indicator for the prediction of diabetes complications.
The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Expert Committee (IEC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the use of HbA1c to diagnose diabetes, using a threshold of 6.5%. The HbA1c assay used by our laboratory is a validated assay standardized to the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program ((NGSP) - Diabetes Complications Trial (DCCT) reference and meets the diagnostic criterion for diabetes diagnosis. Recommendations: See: Definition, Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes, Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Can J Diabetes 42 (2018) S10-S15 |
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| Collection Devices: |
Both microtainers should contain at least 0.5 mL blood in each.
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| Specimen Required: | Stability 7 days refrigerated, 6 months frozen | ||||
| Referral: |
Ship whole blood specimen in primary EDTA tube. Store and ship refrigerated.
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| Requisition: | |||||
| Reference Values: |
4.0 - 6.0 %
Please consult the Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines at http://guidelines.diabetes.ca/ for the interpretation of HbA1c in various clinical conditions. |
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| Availability: |
Weekdays
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| More Information: |