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Test Code POCA1c POC HbA1c (DCA Vantage)

Specimen and Container/Tube

Specimen Type: Blood

Preferred Specimen: Blood (Finger stick)

Other Acceptable specimens: NA

Specimen Stability

Storage Temperature

Stability

Room temperature

NA

 

Refrigerated

NA

Frozen

NA

Collection Instructions

Finger Stick Collection:

  • Identify and cleanse the puncture site with alcohol.
  • Perform the fingerstick per protocol.
  • Hold the capillary holder at an angle and touch only the tip of the capillary to a small drop of blood on the finger until it fills.
  • Wipe the outside of the capillary with a lint-free tissue, avoiding contact with the open end to prevent sample loss.
  • If sample loss occurs, discard the capillary holder and repeat with a new one.

Note: Do not insert the capillary holder into the tube to avoid contamination; discard if contact occurs.

  • Wipe the outside of the capillary with a lint-free tissue, avoiding the open end.
  • Inspect for bubbles; discard and repeat if bubbles are present.
  • Begin analysis within 5 minutes of filling the capillary.

Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

UCMC Onsite Instructions: 

Testing should be performed immediately

UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions: 

Testing should be performed immediately

Rejection Criteria

Unacceptable Sample Types:

  • Samples other than whole blood (e.g., body fluid, dialysis fluid, etc.)

Reference Values

 

Test

Age

Sex

Reference Range

Hemoglobin A1c

All

All

<5.7 %

 

Turnaround Time

STAT Turnaround Time: N/A

Routine Turnaround Time: N/A

Testing Schedule: 24/7

Clinical Indications

Dagnosis and management of diabetes.

Methodology

Latex immunoagglutination inhibition method.

CPT Codes

83036

LOINC Codes

4548-4

Last Review Date

4/3/2026

Critical Values

Analyte

Unit

Low

High

Age

Hemoglobin A1c

%

NA

NA

All

Test Components

Hemoglobin A1c

Additional Information

  • Results should always be assessed in conjunction with patient's medical history, clinical examination and other findings.

The following indices of metabolic control are the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for glycemic control:

Diagnosing Prediabetes

5.7-6.4%

Diagnosing Diabetes

≥6.5%

Goal with Diabetes

<7.0%

Volume

Preferred Volume: 1.5 microliters

Minimum Volume: 1.5 microliters