Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing at Gulf Lab & Radiology provides a reliable indicator of average blood glucose control over the preceding 2u20133 months, making it the gold-standard test for both diabetes diagnosis and ongoing glycaemic management.
HbA1c Overview
Measured by HPLC u2014 the most accurate method u2014 our HbA1c results are reported in both mmol/mol (IFCC) and percentage (NGSP) units with same-day turnaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike fasting glucose, HbA1c does not require fasting. You can eat and drink normally before the test and take your regular medications as usual.
Below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol) is considered normal. 5.7u20136.4% (39u201347 mmol/mol) indicates pre-diabetes. 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or above on two separate occasions confirms a diagnosis of diabetes. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your full clinical picture.
HbA1c can be expressed as a percentage (NGSP/US standard) or in mmol/mol (IFCC/international standard). Both are provided on our reports. A result of 7.0% equals 53 mmol/mol.
Yes. Conditions affecting red blood cell lifespan (haemolytic anaemia, iron deficiency, haemoglobin variants) can influence HbA1c accuracy. Our HPLC platforms detect most haemoglobin variants and will flag results requiring additional interpretation.
For well-controlled diabetes, testing every 3u20136 months is recommended. For newly diagnosed patients or those with medication changes, more frequent testing (every 3 months) is appropriate until targets are achieved.