When a HbA1C is ordered, what action should be taken?

When a HbA1C test is ordered, the primary action to take is to obtain a blood sample from the patient. The HbA1C test measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, providing crucial information for the management of diabetes. As it is a blood test, it requires a sample to be collected in order to analyze the patient's glycemic control.

While scheduling a follow-up appointment or providing dietary advice may be part of ongoing patient care, these actions are not the immediate steps when the test is ordered. Similarly, a urine test is not relevant for obtaining HbA1C results, as the measurement specifically requires a blood sample to assess hemoglobin levels that are glycated due to prolonged exposure to glucose.

Thus, obtaining a blood sample is the correct course of action when an HbA1C test is ordered, allowing for an accurate assessment of the patient’s average blood sugar levels.