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Test Code HbA1c Glycated Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Laboratory Code

LAB90

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole Blood (EDTA)
Container/Tube: Lavender Top

Volume: 3.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 2.0 mL

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type Whole blood (EDTA)
Ambient 1 day
Refrigerate 14 days (preferred)
Frozen Reject

Methodology

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Days and Times Performed

Monday through Friday, TAT 1 - 3 days

Specimen Condition

Haemolysis OK
Icterus OK
Lipaemia OK
Others: Frozen specimens Reject

Reference Interval

                               HbA1c (NGSP)                     (IFCC)
4.0 – 6.0% 20 – 42 mmol/mol

 

 

 

 

HbA1c may be used as an initial screening test for Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

 

HbA1c (NGSP)          (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

Service Code

31939

LOINC Code Information

HbA1c (%) 17856-6
HbA1c (mmol/mol) (NUHS) 59261-8

Alias

GHB

Update

Last updated 27/01/2026