Hemoglobin A1c Testing Concept Overview

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What happens to hemoglobin when glucose molecules become attached to it?

It becomes glycated hemoglobin (correct)

It transforms into a different protein

It loses its function

It becomes transparent

Why does the percentage of glycated hemoglobin rise in individuals with high glucose levels over time?

They have less glucose circulating in their blood

They have more glucose circulating in their blood (correct)

They have lower hemoglobin levels

They have more red blood cells

What is the primary purpose of the HbA1c test?

To screen for immediate glucose levels

To measure daily blood sugar levels

To detect pancreatic dysfunction

To assess average glycated hemoglobin on red blood cells (correct)

Why is fasting blood sugar recommended as a screening test before a hemoglobin A1c test?

To assess long-term blood glucose control Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a patient if they fast before a screening blood test and still have elevated blood-glucose levels?

The ordering provider will then request a hemoglobin A1c test Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate lifespan of an average red blood cell (RBC)?

3-4 months Signup and view all the answers

What does the HbA1c test measure?

The average blood glucose level over the past 3 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required for the HbA1c test?

The patient must be fasting Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of performing the HbA1c test?

To help diagnose prediabetes and diabetes mellitus Signup and view all the answers

How should the test cartridge be handled before use?

It should be allowed to stand upright at room temperature for 10 minutes before use Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the HbA1c Analyzer device returns with an Error Code?

Use the Alere Afinion Quick Guide posted above the machine in the Lab Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can alter or interfere with HbA1c test results?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should Medical Assistants NOT do regarding HbA1c test results?

Offer diagnostic or interpretive statements regarding the results Signup and view all the answers

How often should patients with diabetes (type I and type II) have their hemoglobin A1c level checked?

It depends on their control history and the ordering physician Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to avoid air bubbles and excess sample during the testing procedure?

Hold the sampling device almost horizontally and make sure the capillary fills completely Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before analyzing the sample using the Alere Afinion HbA1c AS100 Analyzer?

Replace the sampling device into the test cartridge Signup and view all the answers

When glucose molecules become attached to hemoglobin, it is referred to as glycated hemoglobin, or hemoglobin ______.

A1c Signup and view all the answers

The HbA1c test measures the average amount of glycated hemoglobin on ______.

RBCs Signup and view all the answers

Fasting blood-sugar is a screening test for the current amount of glucose in a person's ______.

blood Signup and view all the answers

If a patient fasts and still has an elevated blood-glucose level during a screening blood test, the provider may order a hemoglobin A1c test to investigate longer-term blood-glucose control ______.

levels Signup and view all the answers

The HbA1c test reflects the average of a person's blood ______ level over the past 3 months.

glucose Signup and view all the answers

The higher the percentage of HbA1c, the higher a person's average blood ______ levels have been.

glucose Signup and view all the answers

The percentage of glycated hemoglobin rises in individuals with high glucose levels over time due to the increase in glucose circulating in the ______.

blood Signup and view all the answers

HbA1c tests require a ______ blood specimen.

whole Signup and view all the answers

The approximate lifespan of an average red blood cell (RBC) is about ______ months.

3-4 Signup and view all the answers

The Afinion analyzer is where the HbA1c test ______ is placed for testing after the sample is obtained.

cartridge Signup and view all the answers

The HbA1c test ______ can be used to help a healthcare provider diagnose prediabetes, Diabetes Mellitus Type I & Type II.

results Signup and view all the answers

The patient is not required to be ______ for a HgA1c test.

fasting Signup and view all the answers

Medical Assistants are not to offer any ______ or interpretive statements regarding HbA1c test results.

diagnostic Signup and view all the answers

Keeping this in mind, patients who have been diagnosed as diabetic (both type I and type II) will have a hemoglobin a1c level check every 3-6 ______, given their control history and the ordering physician.

months Signup and view all the answers

The test cartridge must not be allowed to lay on its ______- it should be allowed to stand upright at all times.

side Signup and view all the answers

Adhere to all capillary puncture ______ control measures if using capillary puncture to obtain specimen for POC HgA1c testing.

quality Signup and view all the answers