A1c and eAG : labtest

Why Get Tested?
To monitor a person's diabetes and to aid in treatment decisions; to screen for and/or diagnose diabetes and prediabetes
When to Get Tested?
When first diagnosed with diabetes and then 2 to 4 times per year; as part of a health checkup or if you have symptoms of diabetes
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or from a fingerstick

How is it used?
The A1c test and eAG calculation are used to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. The goal of those with diabetes is to keep their blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This helps to minimize the complications caused by chronically elevated glucose levels, such as progressive damage to body organs like the kidneys, eyes, cardiovascular system, and nerves. The A1c test and eAG result give a picture of the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last few months. They can help you and your doctor know if the measures you are taking to control your diabetes are successful or need to be adjusted.
A1c is frequently used to help newly diagnosed diabetics determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained.

The A1c test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes. However, A1c should not be used for diagnosis in pregnant women, people who have had recent severe bleeding or blood transfusions, those with chronic kidney or liver disease, and people with blood disorders such as iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, and hemoglobin variants. Also, only A1c tests that have been referenced to an accepted laboratory method (standardized) should be used for diagnostic or screening purposes. In these cases, a fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance test may be used for screening or diagnosis. Currently, point-of-care tests, such as those that may be used at a doctor's office or a patient's bedside, are too variable for use in diagnosis but can be used to monitor treatment (lifestyle and drug therapies).

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