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Choose collection locationDiabetes · Individual laboratory test
HbA1c
HbA1c reflects glucose attached to red blood cells over roughly the last two to three months. A single meal has little effect on it.
Price for this test on its ownAED 145Test price AED 45
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the HbA1c test measure?
Also called Glycated Hemoglobin (3-Month Sugar)
HbA1c can help assess long-term glucose control or support diagnosis where appropriate. It does not require a fasting appointment for the test alone.
When it may be requested
A longer-term trend
The test provides a different perspective from an individual finger-stick or venous glucose result.
A treatment review
Serial HbA1c can help assess the overall glucose pattern after a prescribed change.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenWhole Blood (EDTA)
Your checklist
HbA1c itself needs no fast. Tell the clinician about a recent transfusion, significant blood loss, known haemoglobin variant or current anaemia, which can affect interpretation.
The clinician takes blood from a vein into a tube that keeps it from clotting. The collection team sends the labelled specimen to the laboratory.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideHbA1c
Reading your result
A trend reflects the glucose exposure of circulating red cells. Recent transfusion, blood loss or certain haemoglobin variants can complicate that interpretation.
What can affect it
- Changes in red cell lifespan or some haemoglobin variants can affect reliability.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testHbA1c
- Specimen
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for HbA1c in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
If HbA1c and home readings appear inconsistent, bring your glucose record and discuss any condition that might affect red blood cells.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Basic Health CheckupDiabetics Profile
Basic Health CheckupDiabetics Profile with Insulin
Advanced Health PackagesAdvanced Health CheckupSee all 10 packages
Advanced Health PackagesExecutive Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesObesity Profile
Advanced Health PackagesPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Advanced Health PackagesElite Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesExtensive Cardiac Function
Advanced Health PackagesFitness Profile
Advanced Health PackagesMaster Health CheckupClinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why might HbA1c differ from my home glucose readings?
They describe different time periods. Anaemia, a recent transfusion or changes in red cell lifespan can also make HbA1c less representative.
Why does anaemia affect an HbA1c result?
HbA1c measures glucose attached to haemoglobin inside red blood cells. Iron-deficiency anaemia can make it read higher than expected. Recent blood loss or a condition that shortens red-cell survival may make it read lower. If HbA1c and your glucose readings disagree, tell your clinician about anaemia, blood loss or recent treatment.
Can I have an HbA1c test while fasting in Ramadan?
Yes. The test needs no fasting and can be taken at any time of day. It reflects the previous two to three months, so a result taken soon after Ramadan partly shows how your sugars ran during the fast.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Diabetics Profile
Fasting glucose and HbA1c from one blood sample: today's blood sugar and your 2–3 month average.
- biomarkers
- 2
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 89
Explore packageDiabetics Profile with Insulin
Fasting glucose, HbA1c and fasting insulin from one blood sample, to check blood sugar control and insulin resistance.
- biomarkers
- 3
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore packageAdvanced Health Checkup
A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
- biomarkers
- 72
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 299
Explore packageExecutive Health Checkup
A whole-body screen of blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers, plus thyroid function and a full…
- biomarkers
- 77
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 429
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Your next step
HbA1c test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.