In the ED, a 19-year-old male with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis has an HbA1c ordered to assess current glucose. What is the most appropriate action for the MLT?

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Multiple Choice

In the ED, a 19-year-old male with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis has an HbA1c ordered to assess current glucose. What is the most appropriate action for the MLT?

HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months, not the current level. In an ED patient with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis, immediate glucose values are needed to guide urgent treatment, so an HbA1c ordered for current glucose would not be helpful for acute management. The best action is to contact the physician to clarify the order—explain that HbA1c won’t inform current glucose status and request a test that provides real-time results (such as a rapid/plasma glucose) or proceed with the appropriate acute workup. If the physician’s intent is to assess long-term glycemic control, HbA1c can be ordered separately, but it should not replace immediate glucose measurement in this scenario.

HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months, not the current level. In an ED patient with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis, immediate glucose values are needed to guide urgent treatment, so an HbA1c ordered for current glucose would not be helpful for acute management. The best action is to contact the physician to clarify the order—explain that HbA1c won’t inform current glucose status and request a test that provides real-time results (such as a rapid/plasma glucose) or proceed with the appropriate acute workup. If the physician’s intent is to assess long-term glycemic control, HbA1c can be ordered separately, but it should not replace immediate glucose measurement in this scenario.

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