Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c, A1c)

GHb (Glycohemoglobin) Test, HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c), Hemoglobin A1c

How It Is Done

The health professional taking a sample of your blood will:

• Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
• Clean the needle site with alcohol.
• Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
• Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
• Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
• Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
• Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: May 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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