What is Hb and HbA1C and what is it used for?

The article was written by a doctor of Biochemistry, Laboratory Department - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

Hb and HbA1C are two parameters that are used frequently when going for medical examination and treatment. The Hb index helps to assess the presence or absence of anemia and if there is anemia, to what extent. HbA1C, which reflects average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the previous 2-3 months, is used to diagnose diabetes in nonpregnant people and to monitor glycemic control in women. diabetic patients.

Hb stands for Hemoglobin (commonly known as Hemoglobin), is a form of protein located in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen, according to the circulation Hb in red blood cells carries oxygen from the lungs to all tissues. and organs in the body.
In blood tests, Hb is a component in a total blood cell analysis test, which is used to evaluate the presence or absence of anemia and if anemia is present, to what extent.
Common types of Normal Hemoglobin, Hemoglobin has been found to have more than 1000 variations. However, the common types of normal Hb include:
Hemoglobin A (HbA): is the common type in adults. Hemoglobin F (HbF- Fetal hemoglobin - fetal hemoglobin) is found in fetuses and newborns. In some diseases such as sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia, and leukemia, the patient has an abnormal variety of hemoglobin in the blood and an elevated level of hemoglobin F. Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2): is the normal type of Hb, exists in small amounts in adults. In pathological cases, Hb is also found to exist in other variants, such as HbS, HbA, HbE, and HbD.

HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C) is a subtype of HbA1, in which valine has the N-terminal Val chain) of this hemoglobin molecule reacts with glucose through an irreversible and non-enzymatic glycosylation to form amadori product and is known as glycosylated HbA1C (or HbA1C).
This means that once the glucose is attached to hemoglobin, it will no longer be separated but remains in this glycosyl form in the red blood cell for the rest of the red blood cell's life. The average lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days, so the HbA1C reading reflects the average daily blood glucose concentration over the previous 2 to 3 months.
Therefore, HbA1C is used as a useful test, providing much better information (indicator) of blood sugar control than the value of a quantitative blood or urine glucose test in screening. Diagnosing diabetes and goals in assessing glycemic control in people with diabetes.
Blood samples for HbA1C testing can be obtained at any time of the day and no fasting is required.
HbA1C is a routine test performed at Vinmec hospitals. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical professionals, a system of modern equipment and technology. The hospital provides comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services, with a civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.