HbA1C versus Blood Glucose Measurement

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Diabetes and the Current American Diabetes Association Guidelines. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Diabetes and the Current American Diabetes Association Guidelines (online CE course)
HbA1C versus Blood Glucose Measurement

Advantages of utilization of HbA1C over blood glucose measurement include:

  • Fasting is not required
  • Greater specimen stability
  • Less fluctuations in day-to-day levels caused by stress and illness

Disadvantages of utilization of HbA1C over blood glucose measurement include:

  • Cost per test is higher than blood glucose.
  • Conditions that shorten red blood cell (RBC) survival e.g., hemolytic anemia, homozygous sickle cell trait, pregnancy, or recent significant blood loss, will reduce exposure of RBCs to glucose, thereby lowering the HbA1C test value.
  • Specimens with >10% fetal hemoglobin (HbF) may have a falsely decreased HbA1C test result.
  • If onset of diabetes is rapid, blood glucose levels will more correctly reflect glycemia than HbA1C levels.