Hemoglobin A1c Measurement Using Point of Care Testing

Abstract

Introduction:Glycated hemoglobin is a sensitive predictor of the long-term complications of diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements can be performed using point of care testing (POCT) devices, and comparing POCT devices with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is essential. This study aimed to compare the HBA1c results of POCT devices with HPLC in diabetic patients with and without hemoglobinopathy.Methods:Twenty-six diabetic patients with hemoglobinopathy and 51 diabetic patients without hemoglobinopathy are included in this study. HbA1c analyzes were performed using Tri-stat POCT analyzer (Trinity Biotech, Ireland) from venous blood and capillary blood, Premier Hb 9210 (Trinity Biotech, Ireland) HPLC method only from venous blood of patients.Results:HbA1c levels did not differ statistically in patients without hemoglobinopathy between HPLC and capillary blood POCT, HPLC and venous blood POCT, capillary blood POCT, and venous blood POCT, p=0.392, p=0.167, and p=0.288), respectively. HbA1c levels also did not differ statistically in patients with hemoglobinopathy between HPLC and venous blood POCT (p=0.076).Conclusion:Tri-stat POCT analyzer results did not differ statistically in comparison to HPLC results in patients. POCT devices approved by the ministry and accepted by the authorities can be used safely in HbA1c analyzes. Clinicians may prefer both methods in patients with type 2 diabetes who need close follow-up, and whose treatment regimen will be affected by this follow-up.

Keywords

• hba1c
• hplc
• poct
• hemoglobinopathy