Hemoglobin A1C
Learn more about the Hemoglobin A1C test, when it can be used, the interpretation of the results, and more with our short guide.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
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What is a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test?
The Hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar that the person has had for the past two to three months. It’s also known among practitioners as the HbA1C and glycated hemoglobin tests. Patients are requested to undergo said test to diagnose if one has either type 1 or 2 diabetes and monitor the blood sugar levels of those diagnosed with diabetes.
Printable Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test
Download this Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test to measure the average blood sugar.
How does it work?
Step One. Access and Download the Template
Ensure you can access a digitally accessible and printable version of the Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test when you and your patient need it. Follow either of these steps to grab a copy:
- Click the “Use Template” or “Download Template” button
- Search for “Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Test” on Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the website or app.
Step Two. Interview and Assess the Patient
It’s best to interview or assess your patient to know more about their medical history, symptoms, etc. Any piece of information that they may provide you will help you determine if the Hemoglobin A1C test is what they need. You may also use your findings or observations to request the test.
Step Three. Collect the Sample
A patient or referring physician/nurse must show the filled-out Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test to the practitioner in charge at the laboratory to prove that the test has been requested. Only then will a blood sample be collected.
Step Four. Analyze and Interpret the Results
Since the template also has a section for writing down results, analysis, and interpretation, you may use it to note down important information you may need when diagnosing for formulating a treatment approach.
Step Five. Securely Store the Template
Once the template has been filled out and used as a request form and/or document for notes, the referring physician must store physical copies at a secure location. Otherwise, they can store digital copies on Carepatron, a HIPAA-compliant EHR that can keep records secure, only to be accessed by relevant parties.
Hemoglobin A1C Test Example (sample)
We created a filled-out PDF file of the “Hemoglobin A1C Test” template. You may view and use it to understand how the template may look as a completed request form and document for the patient’s results and their corresponding analysis and interpretation. Do note, however, that the information in the template is fictional.
Grab a copy by viewing the sample below or clicking the “Download Example PDF” button.
Download this Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test Example:
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When Would you use this Test?
Medical professionals like general practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses may use a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) may use the test for the following scenarios:
Routine Check-up and Diagnosis
A patient, specifically one who is under 45, according to the CDC, may be requested to take an HbA1c test if they have risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes because of their weight, medical history, etc.
Monitoring and Evaluating
Those who are prediabetic, have diabetes but don’t use insulin, and have diabetes and take insulin but can’t keep their blood sugar within range may use the test to monitor their blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, those who have yet to begin their treatment plan or are in the middle of a medication change are recommended to take the test often to evaluate the approach's effectiveness.
What do the Results Mean?
Practitioners know that analysis and interpretation must always be made with the patient’s medical history and current condition. However, for a general idea of the interpretation of the hemoglobin A1C test, keep reading below:
- Normal: Blood levels are below 5.7%.
- Prediabetes: Blood levels are from 5.7% to 6.4%.
- Diabetes: Blood levels are higher than 6.5% on two separate tests.
Commonly asked questions
General practitioners, physician’s assistants, and nurses caring for patients who are diagnosed or are at risk of developing diabetes are the ones who typically request a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test.
The Hemoglobin A1C tests are used when the referring physician is checking the overall health of their patient, diagnosing prediabetes/diabetes type 2, monitoring the blood sugar of their patients with diabetes, and assessing if a medication or treatment is effective.
Collecting a sample for the Hemoglobin A1C test can take a few minutes. However, the results can take 2-3 days.
