$3.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Metabolism & organs
HbA1c test
Hemoglobin A1c. Average blood glucose over the past ~3 months; can help check for and monitor diabetes.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen, and sugar sticks to it over time. Measuring that sugar can show your average blood sugar over the past few months.
Why it matters for women
PCOS and diabetes that started during a past pregnancy can raise the chance of developing diabetes later, so regular checks may be advised. High blood sugar early in pregnancy can affect a baby’s development, so knowing your level before you conceive helps. Iron deficiency, common with heavy periods, and pregnancy itself can make results less accurate.
You might check it if…
- diabetes runs in your family or you live with PCOS
- you had diabetes during a past pregnancy
- you’re planning a pregnancy and want a baseline
- you’re often thirsty, tired or need to urinate a lot
What your result may mean
High HbA1c: what it may mean
High A1c may mean your average blood sugar over the past 3 months has been high, and a result above the lab's range may point to prediabetes or diabetes. PCOS and diabetes during a past pregnancy can raise this risk, and high blood sugar early in pregnancy can affect a baby's development. Iron deficiency, common with heavy periods, can push A1c up without any change in blood sugar. You may notice thirst, frequent urination or tiredness, or nothing at all. A clinician may repeat the test or check fasting glucose before drawing conclusions.
Low HbA1c: what it may mean
Low A1c may mean tight blood sugar control, or it can come from conditions that shorten the life of red blood cells, such as certain anemias, red cell breakdown (hemolysis) or recent bleeding. Pregnancy can also lower it, since red cells may turn over faster. A recent blood transfusion can sway the result as well. If you take diabetes medicines, a low A1c can go along with episodes of low blood sugar, so a clinician may want to review them. Fasting glucose or fructosamine may give a clearer picture.
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No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.