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HelpTest Code HbA1c Glycated Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Additional Codes
| Epic Ordering Code | LAB90 |
| NBS code | LBC00457 |
| Service code | 31939 |
Specimen Requirements
Submit the following:
| Container: |
| Purple Top |
Processing Requirements
Specimen type: Whole Blood
Volume: Full tube
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Whole blood (EDTA) |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 1 day |
| Refrigerate | 14 days (preferred) |
| Frozen | Reject |
Specimen Condition
| Haemolysis | OK |
|---|---|
| Icterus | OK |
| Lipaemia | OK |
| Others: Frozen specimens | Reject |
Methodology
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Days and Times Performed
Monday through Friday, TAT 1 - 3 days
Reference Interval
HbA1c may be used as an initial screening test for Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
| HbA1c (NGSP) | HbA1c (IFCC) | Interpretation |
| ≤ 6.0% | ≤ 42 mmol/mol | Suggests a low probability of DM |
| 6.1 – 6.9% | 43 – 52 mmol/mol | To consider further testing of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) |
| ≥ 7.0% | ≥ 53 mmol/mol | Indicates a high probability of DM |
HbA1c used for monitoring of DM should have individualised targets based on the patient's health status. In general, a target of ≤ 7.0% provides a reasonable balance between reduction of microvascular complications and risk of hypoglycemia.
Source: MOH Guidelines Circular 08/2019; ACE Clinical Guidelines (ACG) 2023
Testing Laboratory
National University Hospital
Clinical Chemistry, 67724399
Useful For
Long term monitoring of glucose control in diabetes
Update
Last updated 01/07/2026
LOINC Code Information
| HbA1c (%) | 17856-6 |
|---|---|
| HbA1c (mmol/mol) (NUHS) | 59261-8 |
Alias
GHB