Challenges in Hemoglobin A1C Measurement in 183 Patients with Diabetes having Hemoglobin Variants and Chemically Modified Derivatives
Abstract
Diabetes is considered as one of the most common metabolic disorder. It has challenged in terms of diagnosis,
monitoring and management in the patients with type-2 diabetes. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) has
recently been validated for the diagnosis diabetes in non-fasting condition, long term blood glycose monitoring
and also predicting its complications in the patients. National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program and
International Federation of Clinical chemistry have been collaborating for the harmonization of HbA1c
methods and directing the laboratories to maintain strict quality goals. However, standardization of various
HbA1c methods being used worldwide still needs consideration especially in diabetic patients having
hemoglobin variants. The main objectives are to review HbA1c methods and address challenges in its
measurement methodology for the patients with diabetes mellitus having hemoglobin variants or chemically
modified derivatives. Thus, to provide guidance to the clinical pathologist for selection of appropriate method
for their laboratories.
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