Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Cardio IQ® Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached to it, reflecting your average blood glucose level over an extended period. Because red blood cells remain in circulation for roughly 8 to 12 weeks, this measurement represents average glucose exposure over the last 2 to 3 months rather than your glucose level at the moment of collection.
This distinguishes hemoglobin A1c from tests that measure glucose directly in the blood at a single point in time. Those tests are sensitive to glucose levels right when the sample is drawn, while this test reflects a longer-term pattern of glycemic exposure that builds gradually as glucose combines with hemoglobin.
Benefits
- Reflects average blood glucose exposure over the past 2 to 3 months.
- Offers a longer-term view than single-point-in-time glucose measurements.
- Supports ongoing tracking of glycemic patterns over multiple months.
- Requires no special preparation before your blood draw.
- Can be repeated periodically to follow trends in glycemic health.
Who Is This Test For?
- People working with a healthcare provider to track blood glucose over time.
- Individuals with diabetes monitoring whether their glucose stays within target range.
- Anyone wanting insight into glycemic patterns over recent months.
- People whose healthcare provider recommends periodic hemoglobin A1c monitoring.
- Individuals interested in an average, longer-term view of glucose exposure.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for the Cardio IQ® Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test. You can visit the lab for your blood draw without fasting or making any other adjustments beforehand.
2. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available within 3 to 5 days. Delays may occur due to weather, holidays, or other lab-related factors.
3. What can my results tell me?
Your result reflects the average glucose exposure in your blood over roughly the past 2 to 3 months. Many people with diabetes work toward keeping this level below 7%, though the appropriate target can vary and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. This test provides a longer-term pattern rather than a single snapshot of glucose at one moment.
4. What factors can affect my results?
Several conditions unrelated to blood sugar can influence hemoglobin A1c levels. These include anemia, high-dose aspirin use, iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease and its treatment, recent blood transfusions, hereditary conditions such as sickle cell disease, and high alcohol consumption. Any of these factors may cause your result to be higher or lower than your actual average glucose exposure.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your hemoglobin A1c result depends on your individual health history, any of the factors listed above, and the context in which the test was ordered. A single result does not capture your complete glycemic picture, and values can be influenced by conditions unrelated to glucose metabolism. Discuss your result with a qualified healthcare provider who can weigh it against your broader health history.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
An abnormal result is best reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider it alongside your health history and other factors. Additional evaluation or testing may be considered based on that discussion. This test result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion or indicate a specific course of treatment.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
