GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C)
The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The A1C test goes by many other names, including glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin. The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
The A1C test is a simple blood test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
During the A1C test, a member of your health care team simply takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or pricking the tip of your finger with a small, pointed lancet. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately.