SAVE 20% on your first doctor’s order order. Use code MM20 at cart
A Blood Sugar Test called Hemoglobin A1C shows your average blood sugar over the last 2 to 3 months. You may also hear it called A1C, HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin. You can book at participating labs on LabFinder and keep your results in our secure patient portal.
The hemoglobin A1C test, also called A1C or HbA1c, measures how much sugar is attached to your red blood cells. It shows your average blood sugar level for the past few months. This helps see if your blood sugar is in a healthy range.
Common reasons: screening for diabetes or prediabetes, checking long term blood sugar control, or following up after a high glucose result. Your doctor may also order A1C if you have risk factors like family history, extra weight, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. LabFinder physicians review orders and results to help guide responsible care.
You will check in, share a quick form, and have a small tube of blood taken from your arm. Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes, and the blood draw itself is just a few minutes. After the draw, you can get back to your day.
Yes, this is a quick, routine blood draw and is considered very safe. You might feel a quick pinch, notice a small bruise, or feel a little lightheaded for a moment afterward, but those effects usually fade quickly. Be sure to tell the staff if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, a rash or infection where blood will be drawn, or if you have fainted during blood draws before. They will take extra care to keep you comfortable.
Simple prep: fasting is not usually needed for an A1C test. Drink water, wear sleeves that roll up easily, and bring a photo ID and insurance card. Keep taking your medicines as directed unless your doctor says otherwise. If you recently had heavy exercise or illness, mention it to the lab so it can be noted with your result.
This test may help evaluate diabetes, prediabetes, high blood sugar, long term blood sugar control, and risks tied to poor control such as nerve or kidney problems. Your doctor will review your results along with your history and symptoms before recommending any next steps.
You can compare locations, see time slots, and book online at participating labs. It is easy to search for a convenient location in your area or by city or ZIP. Many locations accept insurance, and coverage varies by plan and provider. LabFinder helps you schedule with confidence and view results securely.
Book on LabFinder: find a lab today on our lab finder and request a test doctor guided.
The information on this page and throughout the LabFinder website and mobile app is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider directly.
The Hemoglobin A1C Test test is based on the attachment of glucose to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the body. Red blood cells are constantly forming and dying in the body, but typically live for about 3 months. This is why the HbA1c test reflects the average of a person's blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. The HbA1c test result is reported as a percentage, with a higher percentage indicating higher blood glucose levels. If you have elevated levels of HbA1c, this is a sign of diabetes, a chronic disease that leads to health problems such as nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart disease.
To understand what diabetes is, you first need to understand the role of insulin in your body. When you eat, your body turns food into sugar or glucose. At that point, your pancreas is supposed to release insulin. Insulin serves as a "key" to open your cells, allowing the glucose to enter and be used for energy. Diabetes causes this system not to work as well as it should. Your body doesn't make enough or any insulin, or doesn't use insulin efficiently. This leads to uncontrolled increase in blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Therefore, monitoring your blood sugar levels is critical to those who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
You do not need any preparation or fasting for this test. Just bring your LabFinder Order and Insurance Card to your appointment.
You should take the blood sugar test if you have the following symptoms of diabetes including fatigue, blurred vision, increased thirst and urination, seizures, fainting spells, change or confusion in the way you behave or talk Sometimes your doctor may also suggest the blood sugar test if you are suffering from one or more of the following health conditions including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure
The HbA1c test is performed to diagnose prediabetes, a condition in which your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, meaning you are at risk of getting diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, the hemoglobin A1c test will help to monitor your glucose levels.
This test is not suitable for diagnosing diabetes in children or gestational diabetes, a kind of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Also, if you have a blood disorder or anemia, the HbA1c test is not advised for diagnosing diabetes. If you have these conditions and are at risk for diabetes, your doctor will suggest different tests.
A healthcare professional or doctor will draw a blood sample from your arm vein through a syringe. After the needle is inserted into the vein, a sterile tube will be used to collect the blood sample. Insertion and removal of the needle may sting. This process usually takes about five to ten minutes.
The follow up and recovery of a Hemoglobin A1C Test is no different than a routine blood draw. There may be some brief soreness at the point where the needle was inserted, but you may resume normal activities shortly after your test.
Once the blood sugar test is completed, you will receive your results within 3-5 business days in your LabFinder portal.
The cost varies between labs for analysis.
There is very rarely any risk involved while taking the blood sugar test.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a similar blood test which is routinely given at a primary care physician's office. Also, if your high blood sugar has led to a kidney disease, your doctor will suggest you take a Kidney Ultrasound (Renal Ultrasound).
Booking a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) is easy using LabFinder. Just choose your location and enter your insurance information to find the closest Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) near you.
To make a same-day appointment for a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C), just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) location near you. If there's availability for a same-day appointment at a nearby lab location, then you will be able to book it easily through LabFinder.
LabFinder allows you to easily schedule a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C). You can search by location and insurance to easily book a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) near you.
LabFinder allows you to easily make an appointment for a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) online. To make an appointment for a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) online, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) near you.
Yes, you can get a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C) without insurance. LabFinder allows you to search and select "Self-Pay" when booking a Blood Sugar Test (Hemoglobin A1C). While pricing for the test may not be immediately available, please check by calling the lab company directly for pricing.
