On-the-spot blood HbA1c testing in points of care.
Expand your customer services with HbA1c testing.
The Igloo Reader Pro delivers rapid, reliable HbA1c measurement right at the point of care.
Key takeaways
- HbA1c is glycated hemoglobin
- HbA1c reflects average blood sugar over approximately 2-3 months
- HbA1c correlates with an estimated average glucose (eAG)
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What is HbA1c?
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) forms when glucose attaches to hemoglobin inside red blood cells. Because red blood cells circulate for approximately 120 days in human body, HbA1c captures long-term glycemia (high blood sugar) better than a single glucose reading with typical glucometer.
Why is HbA1c important?
Clinicians use HbA1c to diagnose diabetes and to monitor long-term control of diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Lowering an elevated HbA1c is associated with lower risk of diabetes complications.
Why HbA1c testing matters in pharmacy?
Measuring HbA1c provides insight into long-term blood glucose control and helps identify individuals at risk, including those with prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or other conditions influenced by elevated glucose levels. This allows pharmacies and other health-focused businesses to offer immediate, value-added testing and practical guidance directly at the point of care.
Benefits of offering HbA1c testing in pharmacies and primary care:
- Expand the variety of in-store health and wellness services.
- Identify customers at risk of impaired glucose control early.
- Foster stronger patient relationships through proactive, data-informed care.
- Generate additional revenue by linking testing to follow-up support and product recommendations.
How is HbA1c measured?
- Sample: Small blood sample.
- Units: Results are primarily reported as a percentage (%). Some reports also include IFCC units (mmol/mol), and estimated average glucose (eAG) reference tables may be used for interpretation.
HbA1c can be measured using capillary whole blood from a fingerstick at the point of care or from venous whole blood. Fasting is not required.
Additional consideration: Because capillary point-of-care results may vary, diagnostic decisions should be confirmed with a venous blood sample where appropriate.
HbA1c testing with Igloo Reader Pro
In pharmacy and primary care business settings, HbA1c can be measured from a small capillary blood sample using the Igloo Reader Pro, in line with the instructions for use. Results can be stored in the Igloo.health app and monitored over time, and interpreted alongside other relevant biomarkers to support follow-up and referral decisions.
Advantages of HbA1c testing with the Igloo Reader Pro for pharmacies and clinics:
- Deliver fast, accurate HbA1c results during routine visits.
- Broaden service offerings without disrupting daily workflows.
- Support early detection and management of blood sugar irregularities.
- Seamlessly integrate testing into existing pharmacy and primary care practices.
What are normal HbA1c values?
HbA1c values below 5.7% (approximately <39 mmol/mol) are generally consistent with normal long-term blood glucose control.
What are high HbA1c levels?
Elevated risk (prediabetes):
HbA1c values between 5.7% and 6.4% (approximately 39–47 mmol/mol) indicate impaired glucose regulation and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes range:
HbA1c values of 6.5% or higher (≥48 mmol/mol) are consistent with diabetes when measured using a standardized method. Diagnosis should be confirmed with a healthcare professional, for example by repeat testing or complementary glucose-based assessments, and always interpreted alongside the clinical context.
What factors influence HbA1c?
Red blood cell lifespan and hemoglobin levels may effect the HbA1c level. Iron-deficiency anemia can elevate HbA1c that might lead to incorrect interpretations. Hemolysis or acute blood loss can lower HbA1c level. Hemoglobin level variations, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, and recent transfusions of various kinds may distort HbA1c blood test results.
Blood Glucose & HbA1c: Results look different
Blood glucose and HbA1c measure different aspects of glycaemia:
- Blood glucose reflects the glucose level at a specific moment
- HbA1c reflects the average glucose exposure over the previous ~8-12 weeks
Because they measure different timeframes and are influenced by different biological factors, results may sometimes not match. This is common and does not automatically indicate an error or disease change.
Scenario 1: High blood glucose but low HbA1c
Possible explanation:This pattern may occur when recent glucose levels have increased but the longer-term average is still lower, or when HbA1c is affected by factors that reduce its value.
Examples include:
- recent change in diet, illness, stress, or medication
- short-term hyperglycaemia not yet reflected in HbA1c
- conditions shortening red blood cell lifespan (e.g. some anaemias)
- chronic kidney disease or certain medications affecting HbA1c reliability
What pharmacists can advise customers:
- repeat glucose monitoring as recommended
- review recent lifestyle or medication changes
- discuss results with their general practicioner or diabetes team
- consider follow-up testing if mismatch persists
Scenario 2: Low blood glucose but high HbA1c
Possible explanation:This pattern may occur when current glucose is improved but previous levels were higher, or when HbA1c is influenced by factors that increase its value independently of glucose.
Examples include:
- recent improvement in glucose control
- iron deficiency anaemia
- haemoglobin variants (genetic differences in the structure of haemoglobin)
- longer red blood cell lifespan
- biological differences between individuals in haemoglobin glycation
What pharmacists can advise customers:
- continue regular monitoring
- avoid interpreting a single reading alone
- discuss possible causes with their healthcare professional
- follow recommended repeat laboratory testing if advised
Why pharmacies should offer HbA1c testing?
Implementing HbA1c testing with the Igloo Reader Pro empowers pharmacies and primary care providers to offer quick, reliable assessments of blood glucose control. This facilitates earlier identification of at-risk individuals and enables personalized care plans to manage or prevent diabetes complications. By integrating this efficient testing solution, healthcare providers can enhance patient outcomes, deepen community trust, and open new avenues for service growth through comprehensive metabolic health support.
Learn more about the Pharmacy Starter Kit >
Literature
NIH, National Library of Medicine - Hemoglobin A1C.
- Rohlfing CL et al. Effects of whole blood storage on hemoglobin a1c measurements with five current assay methods. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2012 Mar;14(3):271-5. doi: 10.1089/dia.2011.0136.
- Niazpour F et al. The Effect of Blood Sample Storage Conditions on HbA1c Concentration. Clin Lab. 2019 Jul 1;65(7). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2019.190114.
- Mann, DM, et al. Understanding discordance between HbA1c and blood glucose measurements. doi: 10.2337/dc12-1479
Disclaimer
This information is educational and does not qualify for a medical advice. Always use local reference ranges and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about diagnostics for pharmacies and health-related businesses.
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) measures long-term (around 2 to 3 months) glycemia.
Yes. Capillary (fingerprick) point-of-care testing is used for screening and monitoring.
For diagnosis, confirm a capillary result with a venous lab test.
The Igloo Reader Pro enables rapid HbA1c testing using a small capillary blood sample, with results available in minutes. It is designed for easy integration into pharmacy or dental clinic workflows, helping to deliver timely, accurate information to their customers.
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