Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Whole blood
4 mL
Pediatric EDTA whole blood tubes may be used. Please place original labeled capillary tube in a labeled transport tube for shipment to the laboratory. (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube, green-top (lithium heparin) tube, or gray-top (sodium fluoride) tube
The usual precautions in the collection of venipuncture samples should be observed. The sample must be free of clots. Samples with any hematocrit disorders can lead to erroneous results. Send the entire tube to the laboratory.
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Temperature | Period |
---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Clotted specimen; gross hemolysis
Hemoglobin A1c values are used to assess glucose control in diabetes, and in 2010 the American Diabetes Associations affirmed the decision of an international expert committee recommendation to use the A1c test to diagnose diabetes with a threshold ≥6.5%. Point-of-care A1c assays are not sufficiently accurate at this time to use for diagnostic purposes.
Any cause of shortened erythrocyte survival will reduce exposure of erythrocytes to glucose with a consequent decrease in Hb A1c (%). Causes of shortened erythrocyte lifetime might be hemolytic anemia or other hemolytic diseases, homozygous sickle cell trait, pregnancy, or recent significant or chronic blood loss. Glycated Hb F (fetal hemoglobin) is not detected as it does not contain the glycated β chain that characterizes Hb A1c. Specimens containing high amounts of Hb F (>10%) may result in lower than expected Hb A1c.
Roche Tina Quant
• Hemoglobin (Hb) A1c: 4.8% to 5.6%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: ≥6.5%
• Glycemic control for adults with diabetes: <7.0%
(DCCT/NGSP)
2010 American Diabetes Association's Summary of Glycemic Recommendations for Adults with Diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c <7.0%.
For selected individual patients, providers might reasonably suggest even lower A1c goals than the general goal of <7%, if this can be achieved without significant hypoglycemia or other adverse effects of treatment. Such patients might include those with short duration of diabetes, long life expectancy, and no significant CVD. Conversely, less-stringent A1c goals than the general goal of <7% may be appropriate for patients with a history of severe hypoglycemia, limited life expectancy, advanced microvascular or macrovascular complications, and extensive comorbid conditions and those with longstanding diabetes in whom the general goal is difficult to attain.
Factors such as duration of diabetes, adherence to therapy, and age of patient should also be considered in assessing the degree of blood glucose control.
Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
001453 | Hemoglobin A1c | 4548-4 | 001481 | Hemoglobin A1c | % | 4548-4 |
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