Hemoglobin A1c: need to standardize the term.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss studies that investigate the understanding of patients with diabetes and the information provided by physicians regarding the terminology and meaning of tests for glycated hemoglobin.


RESULTS
Patients with diabetes seldom know or remember the terminology for glycated hemoglobin assay techniques, even when they are participating in self-monitoring of blood glucose. Physicians use a variety of terms for the glycated hemoglobin test and are not consistent in their terminology.


CONCLUSIONS
One term for glycated hemoglobin assay should be used and promoted by all health-care professionals and patients. Because it is most readily remembered, "A1C" is the preferred lay term.
Levetan
Claresa S
CS
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004704:Endocrinology / Q000592:standards*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D009626:Terminology as Topic
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin