Hemoglobin A1c Test

Hemoglobin A1c Test

Detect abnormal blood sugar levels. Healthcare providers use this test to help determine whether you're at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$39.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Measures the level of sugar-coated hemoglobin protein in the blood.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. This blood test helps determine whether you’re at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you have diabetes, HbA1c testing can help you and your healthcare provider know how well you're managing your blood sugar levels over time. An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage of HbA1c indicates higher blood sugar levels.

Hemoglobin is a protein found only in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches and sticks to hemoglobin molecules to form Hemoglobin A1c. The hemoglobin A1c test is an important tool used by healthcare professionals for the screening, diagnosis, and management of prediabetes and diabetes. This blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

Blood glucose is the main sugar found in your bloodstream. The sugar comes from the food you eat and supplies energy to all cells in the body. However, it needs to stay within safe levels to reduce the risk of diabetes and associated disorders, such as heart disease. Your body also needs insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps store glucose in the liver, muscles, and fat; controls the amount of glucose in your blood; and regulates how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When you don't have enough insulin or it isn't working properly, the body cannot effectively process blood sugar, resulting in high blood sugar levels and, ultimately, diabetes. If high blood sugar levels are left untreated, you may develop a chronic health condition that may lead to damage to many bodily systems, including blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, skin disorders, and an increased risk for limb amputation.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes may be hard to recognize or go unnoticed. You may consider discussing your risk factors for diabetes with your healthcare provider or getting an HbA1c Test if you're experiencing the following symptoms:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Excessive hunger
Extreme fatigue
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Blurred vision
Yeast infections
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin
Slow-healing cuts, bruises, or sores
Pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands, feet, or legs
Nausea and vomiting
Extremely dry skin
Frequent infections
Darkening and thickening of the skin on the neck, elbows, underarms, knuckles, groin, or knees

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

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No doctor visit is required for purchase.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Now pair your Quest lab work with Health Coaching to put your diagnostic insights into action.

Learn more >

What is diabetes? What are the most common types? What other health conditions are associated with diabetes? Read the article to find out.

FAQs

What's the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, previously named juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body mistakenly attacks normal beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children but can develop later. Currently, there is no known prevention for type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, but it can affect individuals of all ages. In most people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body cannot use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.

How is HbA1c different from my daily glucose level monitoring?

The HbA1c Test gives you a percentage of your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. Routine glucose monitoring tells you your blood sugar level each time you test. Both tests are important for the management of diabetes. Knowing your HbA1c is crucial, but it's not a substitute for routine self-monitoring.

Are there other names for this test?

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is also known as the A1c, HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, glycohemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1c test.

What are the risk factors for type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that can affect anyone, but it is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. You're at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes if you have a parent or sibling living with this health condition.

What are the risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common and certain conditions can put you at risk. Risk factors include:

Age 35 or older
Those who are overweight or obese and have certain risk factors:
- Family history (parent or sibling) of type 2 diabetes
- Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander race or ethnicity
- History of heart disease or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and/or high triglyceride level
- Being physically inactive
- Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- History of gestational diabetes
Prediabetes, which is an elevated blood glucose level that is not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes
HIV positive

What lifestyle changes can I make to lower my HbA1c?

You can help to lower your HbA1c levels by making several lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, managing your weight, and taking medications as prescribed. Making healthy lifestyle changes and sticking to them are both crucial.

What does a high HbA1c mean?

An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage indicates higher blood sugar levels.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

¹National Diabetes Statistics Report https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.