HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) blood test
Quick answer: An HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months by measuring how much sugar is attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells. Doctors use it to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes and to check how well diabetes is controlled.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo fasting is needed for HbA1c.
- In fertility careGood sugar control before pregnancy lowers the risk of miscarriage and birth defects, so HbA1c is often checked before IVF in women at risk of diabetes.
How the test is done
- 1You can come at any time; no fasting is needed
- 2A needle draws blood from a vein
- 3The lab measures how much sugar is attached to haemoglobin
- 4Your doctor compares the result with past values or your sugar readings
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Targets differ for people with diabetes, in pregnancy and with some anaemias, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high level can be seen with diabetes or prediabetes and shows average sugar has been raised over 2 to 3 months. Anaemia, recent blood loss or haemoglobin variants can make it falsely high or low.
Who usually has this test
People being screened for diabetes, people with diabetes checking control, women with PCOS, and women planning IVF or pregnancy with risk factors.
Risks and aftercare
A small bruise may appear; you can eat and drink as usual.
Names and options
Also called: HbA1c, A1c, glycosylated haemoglobin, 3 month sugar test
Listed by the hospital as
- GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C) HPLC
Where this test fits in fertility care
- 1Fertility work-up
- 2Screening before IVF or IUIThis test
- 3During treatment
- 4After embryo transfer
- 5Pregnancy check-ups
- 6If treatment has not worked
The usual order. See every test at each stage →
Questions about this test
Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?
No. HbA1c reflects your average sugar over 2 to 3 months, so a recent meal does not affect it. It can be done at any time of day.
Can HbA1c be wrong?
Yes, conditions that change red blood cell life, such as some anaemias, haemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or pregnancy, can make HbA1c misleading. Your doctor may use other tests in these cases.
How often should HbA1c be checked?
People with diabetes often have it every 3 to 6 months. Your doctor will set the timing based on your control and treatment.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.