The comparison of two measuring methods of Glycolated hemoglobin in fasting and non-fasting conditions

Abstract

Objective: Glycolated Hb is a valuable marker for identification and treatment of diabetics. It shows the mean of blood glucose level during the last 2-3 months. There are different methods (Electrophoresis, colorimetry, …) for evaluation of this indicator with advantages or disadvantages for each. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study that was done on patients referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital in Babol with their fasting blood samples collected. Also 30 persons were selected for evaluation of two methods (Electrophoresis and colorimetry) of measurement of glycolated Hb in fasting and non-fasting conditions. Findings: Mean of GHb by electrophoresis in fasting was 10.01% and in non-fasting was 11.04%. This marker by colorimetric method in fasting and non-fasting was 362.4 and 361.5 nmol/gHb respectively. The difference of GHb by electrophoresis between fasting and non-fasting conditions was significantly (P<0.001), but for colorimetry was significant. Conclusion: GHb is a good marker of the mean value of glucose level for the recent 2-3 months of the individuals. Electrophoresis is a simple method, but regarding the findings taking the samples infasting is strictly recommended. Colorimetric method had not been influenced by the level of glucose at the time of sampling. But this method must be calibrated well.

Keywords

• diabetes
• glycolated hemoglobin
• hba_1c
• hba₁