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The HBA1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months and helps diagnose or monitor diabetes. It is a simple blood test with minimal risks and can be done without fasting. Costs may vary depending on the lab and location, and knowing your HBA1C range helps manage diabetes effectively.
What is the HBA1C Test?
The Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is a common blood test used to estimate blood sugar levels (glucose). It measures the amount of blood sugar attached to the haemoglobin.
This test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes or prediabetes in adults or to estimate how well you have been managing your blood sugar levels. The HbA1c test is also called as glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C test, or A1c.
HBA1C Test Cost in India
| Test Type | Blood Test |
| HbA1c blood test cost in Bengaluru | Rs. 1000 to Rs.2000 |
| HbA1c blood test cost in Pune | Rs. 1000 to Rs.2000 |
| HbA1c blood test cost in Warangal | Rs. 1000 to Rs.2000 |
| HbA1c blood test cost in Hyderabad | Rs. 1000 to Rs.2000 |
| HbA1c test cost in Vizag | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Nashik | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Nellore | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Chandanagar | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Srikakulam | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Sangamner | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Kurnool | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Kakinada | Rs. 1000 to Rs.2000 |
| HbA1c test cost in Karimnagar | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Vizianagram | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Nizamabad | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 |
| HbA1c test cost in Navi Mumbai | Rs. 1000 to Rs.2000 |
How Should I Prepare for the HbA1c Test ?
You don’t need to fast before an HbA1c test. You can eat and drink as usual unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Just let your doctor know about any medications you're taking. Wear short sleeves for easy access to your arm during the blood draw.
HbA1c Test Procedure
The HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) test has been the gold standard for years in determining the average blood sugar levels in your system for the past 2-3 months. It is used primarily as a diabetes diagnostic tool. The following is a straightforward, stepwise protocol for the essay:
Sample Collection
A healthcare professional will thoroughly clean the area on your arm, typically located near the inner elbow, with an antiseptic. A doctor inserts a needle into a vein to draw a small amount of blood, which can cause a pinch or light discomfort. Sometimes, the fingerstick method is used (eg, rapid screening tests).
Post-Test Care
Blood Sample When they get the blood sample, they might feel bruising or tenderness at the needle site, which settles after a few hours of injection. The whole test is non-invasive, and you can continue with your life as usual right after the test.
Laboratory Analysis
The blood sample is sent off to a laboratory, which calculates how much glucose is attached to haemoglobin inside red blood cells. A test is usually available in a few hours to 1 day, depending on the laboratory.
Result Interpretation
HbA1c results are given in a percentage. The higher the percentage, the poorer your long-term blood sugar control. Levels below 5.7% are considered normal, while levels above 6.5% may indicate diabetes.
In the long-term follow-up of diabetes and the change of treatment plan, if needed, this test is useful.
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Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Normal Range Results
| Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) | Result |
| Less than 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7% to 6.4% | Prediabetes |
| 6.5% or higher | Diabetes |
Risks and Side Effects of the HbA1c Test
HbA1c test is usually a simple and safe process that carries minimal risk. But, like any blood test, there are some side effects and risk factors:
Bruising or Swelling
You may have mild bruising or swelling when the needle is inserted after blood is drawn. This is not unusual and will last no greater than 24 hours.
Pain or Discomfort
Drawing blood may cause mild pain or discomfort but is generally temporary and well tolerated.
Infection (Rare)
Like any procedure with a needle, there is probably a slight possibility of an infection at the puncture site. One possible hazard is that non-sterile instruments could contaminate clean blood being transfused into the body. Still, this risk can be reduced by ensuring proper cleaning and sterilization during the procedure.
Dizziness or Fainting (Rare)
Lightheadedness or faintness during or just after the blood draw — Particularly if you are nervous about having your blood drawn, feel like you might faint afterwards (due to reduced blood volume say from feeling faint),or have low BP, this is not uncommon.
For the most part, it is safe to do an HbA1c test, and serious side effects are quite exceptional. You should talk to your healthcare provider about this beforehand, though, as you want to have all your questions/concerns answered before the test.
When is the HBA1C Test Needed?
The HbA1c test is usually required in the following situations:
- Initial diagnosis: If you're showing signs of diabetes or prediabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss.
- For diabetes management: If you already have diabetes, the HbA1c test helps to track how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past few months. It is typically performed every 3 to 6 months, depending on your treatment plan.
- For prediabetes monitoring: If you have prediabetes, your doctor may use the HbA1c test to see if you are at risk of progressing to full diabetes.
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Get Second OpinionWho Should Take the HBA1C Test?
The following individuals should consider taking the HbA1c test:
- People with symptoms of diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or weight loss.
- Those with a family history of diabetes, as they are at a higher risk.
- Adults who are overweight or physically inactive may also benefit from regular HbA1c testing to detect early signs of diabetes or prediabetes.
How Long Does the HBA1C Test Take?
The test itself is quite quick. It typically takes:
- Blood draw time is only a few minutes for 5-10 minutes.
- Lab processing time for the laboratory will analyze your blood sample, and you can usually get the results back within a f 1or 2 business days.
When Will I Get My HBA1C Test Results?
Your HBA1C test results will be ready within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the lab's timeline. We'll make sure you receive the report either on WhatsApp or as a printed copy. After that, our doctor will explain what the results mean and guide you on the next steps, if required.
What Should I Do After Getting My HBA1C Test Results?
Once you have your test results:
- Discuss with your doctor what the results mean and if changes to your lifestyle, diet, or medications are needed.
- If you are diagnosed with diabetes, regular HbA1c tests will help you monitor your blood sugar over time.
Is the HBA1C Test Painful?
The HbA1c test is not very painful:
- You may feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted to collect blood.
- Discomfort is minimal and generally lasts only for a few moments.
Occasionally, bruising or tenderness can occur at the needle site, but this usually resolves within a few hours.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the HbA1c Test and How?
The HbA1c test requires a blood sample, usually taken from a vein in your arm. A lab technician uses a small needle to draw a small amount of blood, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The process takes just a few minutes and is generally safe and quick. You do not need to fast before this test, which makes it more convenient than some other blood sugar tests.
The goal is to measure the average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months, based on how much glucose has attached to your hemoglobin.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the HbA1c Test?
In most cases, the HbA1c test is performed using a venous blood sample. However, in some clinics or home testing kits, a finger-prick blood sample may be used as an alternative.
This involves pricking the fingertip with a small lancet and collecting a drop of blood on a test strip or into a small tube. This method is commonly used for quick screening or monitoring but may not be as accurate as a lab-based venous sample.
Finger-prick options are especially helpful for children, elderly patients, or people in remote areas.
What are the Factors Affecting HbA1c Test Cost?
The cost of the HbA1c test can vary depending on several factors:
- Type of Laboratory: Accredited or specialized labs may charge more than smaller, local diagnostic centers.
- Location: Test prices are often higher in metro cities compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
- Sample Collection Method: Home sample collection services may include an extra fee.
- Turnaround Time: Faster result delivery may come with a slightly higher price.
- Additional Services: Some labs bundle the HbA1c test with full diabetes panels, which can influence the overall cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This test is done for the following reasons: To diagnose prediabetes in adults, To diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes, To monitor diabetes management and treatment plan.
Let your doctor know about the medicines you may be taking. No special preparation is required.
A lab professional will take a blood sample from a vein (venipuncture) with a small needle. In a test tube or vial, a small amount of blood sample will be collected. This blood collection process usually takes less than five minutes.
The cost of an HbA1c test in Hyderabad is Rs.400 to Rs 800 approximately.
Having an HbA1c blood test carries very little risk. Rarely, there may be slight pain or bruising at the venipuncture point, but most symptoms subside on their own.
Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, is a health condition where the blood glucose level is higher than the normal range.
Hyperglycemia indicates prediabetes or diabetes.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a health condition where the blood sugar level is less than the normal level.
Hyperglycemia symptoms are Nausea and vomiting, increased thirst, Weakness, Abdominal pain, Blurred vision.
Hypoglycemia symptoms are Confusion, Pale appearance, Shakiness, Sweating, Headache, Fatigue.
