HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) Test in Kolkata - Price & Details

The HbA1c test is a laboratory test that measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months as glycosylated hemoglobin. Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as glycated hemoglobin, is the type of glucose attached to hemoglobin present in red blood cells (RBCs). The average lifespan of RBCs is 3 months; therefore, HbA1c reflects average glycated hemoglobin levels over this period. It is a reliable indicator of blood glucose levels, as it does not fluctuate temporarily after eating, as other blood sugar tests do. It helps screen diabetes and prediabetes patients and facilitates long-term management of blood sugar levels.

Common Signs to Watch For:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling constantly thirsty or having a dry mouth
• Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Blurred vision or wounds that take a long time to heal
• Unexplained weight loss or increased hunger
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Recommended For:

• Routine health checks: All adults aged 45 and older should be screened annually.
• Family history: If your parents or siblings have a history of diabetes.
• Risk factors: Individuals who are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
• Pregnant women: Regular blood sugar monitoring is important to prevent complications.
• Pre-existing health conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes patients: For regular blood sugar monitoring.

The frequency of the HbA1c test depends on your age, risk factors, and diabetic status, or as advised by your doctor. Refer to the table below to learn more:

• Prediabetes: Helps identify whether you are in the warning zone, where proactive lifestyle changes can often reverse the trend before it progresses.
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes: Confirming a clinical diagnosis so you can begin a suitable management plan for your specific needs.
• Gestational diabetes: Monitoring blood sugar trends during and after pregnancy to ensure health for both mother and child, helping to detect risks that may emerge during this period.
• Risk of complications: Providing a long-term view that helps you and your doctor lower the risk of future issues with your eyes, kidneys, or nerves by maintaining blood sugar levels within a safe, consistent range.

Important note: An elevated HbA1c is a significant clinical finding. Always share your results with a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and to understand what steps are needed to protect your health.

• Before the test: No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally. Unlike other sugar tests, you do not need to skip breakfast or change your medication schedule.
• During the test: A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. It is a brief procedure with minimal risk.
• After the test: Feeling dizzy for a few seconds is normal and resolves with brief rest. You can resume your normal activities after the test.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, pain, or a rash, consult your healthcare provider.

Your lab report provides two key values that help you and your doctor understand how your body has been managing sugar over the last 90 days.

• HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) %: This is the primary indicator of your long-term sugar control. It measures the amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells. Since these cells stay in your system for about 3 months, this percentage reflects your average blood sugar over that time.
• Estimated average glucose (eAG): While HbA1c is expressed as a percentage, eAG converts that figure to familiar mg/dL units; the unit is commonly seen on a home glucometer. For example, if your HbA1c is 7.0%, your eAG would be approximately 154 mg/dL.

Many labs also provide an estimated average glucose (eAG), which translates that percentage into a more familiar number (mg/dL) similar to what you see on a home glucose monitor.

Important note: Normal reference ranges and result interpretation may vary depending on your age, duration of diabetes, and risk of hypoglycemia. Always consult a healthcare professional to better understand your test results.

While HbA1c is a valuable indicator of blood sugar levels, certain conditions can occasionally affect its results, causing falsely high or low HbA1c values.

Conditions that cause falsely high HbA1c values:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Thalassaemia
• B12 deficiency

Conditions that cause falsely low HbA1c values:

• High altitude
• Pregnancy
• Haemorrhage
• Blood transfusion
• Iron supplementation
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Sickle cell anaemia

In Kolkata, the standard rate for an HbA1c test at PharmEasy is approximately INR 499. This pricing may vary due to multiple factors, such as location, service availability, and ongoing promotional offers. For better clarity, you may also explore and compare HbA1c test costs across major cities in India.

You can book HbA1c Test in Kolkata through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Salt Lake
• New Town
• Rajarhat
• Dum Dum
• Lake Town
• Baguiati
• Park Street
• Ballygunge
• Bhowanipore
• Alipore
• Behala
• Tollygunge
• Jadavpur
• Garia
• Kalighat
• Kasba
• Kankurgachi
• Ruby
• Sealdah
• Shyambazar

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pin code.