The hemoglobin A1C test is done to obtain the average level of blood glucose in the past three months in your body. It is to check if you are diabetic or moving towards being a diabetic, a stage which is referred to a pre-diabetes. In this article, we will cover various aspects of this test including how to get this test done sitting from the comfort of your home or how to get it done at a nearby lab. We will also get you the lowest Hemoglobin A1c test cost in your vicinity with or without insurance.
We highly recommend the people with diabetes test for hemoglobin A1c test every 3 months in order to monitor and keep the A1c levels under control. It is also recommended for people with a normal blood glucose level to get tested for A1c at least once a year.
The contents of this article are mentioned below:
- How much is the Hemoglobin A1c test price?
- What is a Hemoglobin A1c test?
- How prevalent is diabetes in the US?
- When is the Hemoglobin A1c test done?
- How is the HbA1c test performed?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- Are there any risks and complications associated with this test?
- What is the normal Hemoglobin A1c range?
- How can we bring higher A1c levels down?
- Where are your lab locations?
For our readers who are interested in knowing the Hemoglobin A1c test cost beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the Hemoglobin A1c test cost?
Hemoglobin A1c test / HbA1c test cost ranges between $29 and $69 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. No prior appointment is required. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days. Doctor consultation is also available for further treatment or for any kind of medical advice.
Even more interestingly, if you want to get tested for Hemoglobin A1C sitting in the comfort of your home, there is a company called myLab Box, that will mail you the test.
The following table shows the Hemoglobin A1c test providers and their prices. You can also know more and book the test now by clicking on the “Book Now” button. All the below labs are certified and offer a network across the US.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online at Offer Price |
myLab Box(Home Test Kit)
| $74 |
HealthLabs
| $29 |
Personal Testing Lab
| $35 |
Hemoglobin A1c test cost with insurance
Many insurance companies in the U.S. cover all the vital blood tests like Hemoglobin A1c blood test. However, the coverage offered by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare varies widely. Most of the health insurance policies cover Hemoglobin A1c test cost only once or twice a year and when your physician orders more than twice in a year, you should pay the A1c test cost out of pocket. So we recommend you check if your health insurance policy covers the HbA1c test cost.
Our Hemoglobin A1c testing providers do not accept any kind of health insurance policy. However, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details like the name of the test, code of the test, and CPT code which is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What is a Hemoglobin A1c test?
Hemoglobin A1C test is also known as glycated hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin test or glycosylated hemoglobin test or A1c test or HbA1c test. It is a simple and inexpensive blood test that measures the amount of blood sugar or glucose present in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein present in the red blood cells and it carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Hemoglobin A1C test tells the average level of blood glucose in the past three months as the red blood cells typically live for about 3 months. The A1C test is also done to check for diabetes or pre-diabetes in adults. Pre-diabetes refers to when the blood sugar levels show that you are at risk of getting diabetes. In the case of a diabetes person, the HbA1C test is a regular test that helps to monitor and maintain the blood glucose level. This test is also repeated on a regular basis to monitor the diabetes treatment plan.
Diabetes statistics in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that more than 34 million people have diabetes and every 1 in 4 of those people do not know they have diabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. So we highly recommend the people with diabetes test for a Hemoglobin A1c test every 3 months in order to monitor and check the average blood sugar level. We also recommend people with a normal blood glucose level get tested for A1c at least twice a year.
When is the Hemoglobin A1c test done?
Your physician may ask you to take the A1C test in case if you experience the following symptoms or if you are at a higher risk of getting diabetes.
Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling hungry frequently
Risk factors
People with the following conditions are at a higher risk of getting diabetes.
- Being obese
- High blood pressure
- Family history of having diabetes/heart disease
- Physically inactive
The Hemoglobin A1C test is not used for gestational diabetes (a diabetic condition where high blood sugar level develops only during pregnancy and disappears usually after giving birth) and for diagnosing diabetes in children.
How is the Hemoglobin A1c test performed?
Hemoglobin A1c test procedure is as simple as a regular blood test. A phlebotomist will wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to make the veins visible and swell with blood. Then, he/she will clean the area to be injected with a cotton ball and draw the blood sample using a small needle. The blood sample is collected in a test tube and then sent for analysis. The phlebotomist will ask you to apply pressure on the puncture site to stop bleeding.
It takes less than 5 minutes to do the A1c blood test.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
There is no special preparation required for the HbA1c test. You can have your usual diet and carry on your regular activities.
Risks and complications
There is no possible risk of taking a Hemoglobin A1C test. You might have a slight pain in the area where the needle was put in. But this pain will go away quickly.
Complications of high A1c levels
High levels of blood sugar can lead to the following complications.
- Foot problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Urinary tract infection
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic eye disease
What is the normal range of Hemoglobin A1c level?
- Normal A1C levels range between 4% and 5.6%.
- If the level of Hemoglobin A1C ranges between 5.7% and 6.4%, it indicates that you are at a higher risk of getting diabetes (prediabetes).
- A1C levels higher than 6.5% shows that you have diabetes.
Sometimes, the Hemoglobin A1C test results may be inaccurate due to the following conditions.
- People with diseases affecting hemoglobin like anemia
- Other supplements such as Vitamin C, E, and B12.
- Antiviral and antimicrobial medicines
- Aspirin treatment
- High Cholesterol levels
- People with kidney and liver diseases
Your physician might recommend other medical tests if you have any of the above-mentioned conditions.
How to bring higher A1c levels down?
A combination of a balanced healthy diet, exercise, and proper medication can bring the HbA1C levels down.
A1C levels can also be altered by
- Oral or IV glucose intake
- Fasting
- Use of insulin
Provider Locations
Hemoglobin A1c test can be done in any of the following locations by visiting the lab near you. To know the HbA1c test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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