Hemoglobin variants detected by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) analysis and the effects on HbA1c measurements.
BACKGROUND
Hemoglobin (Hb) A1c is a tool widely used to monitor long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients. The objective of our study is to compare the HbA1c values measured on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunoassay in patients who were detected to have hemoglobin variant after HbA1c analysis.


METHODS
We compared the HbA1c values measured using the Arkray Adams A1c HA-8160 (HPLC method) and Roche Cobas Integra (immunoturbidimetric method) from diabetic patients who were diagnosed with hemoglobin variants.


RESULTS
Forty-three diabetic patients were diagnosed with hemoglobin variants: 13 elevated Hb F, 12 Hb E trait, seven Hb S trait, seven Hb D trait, two Hb E / beta-Thalassemia, one Hb C trait, and one homozygous Hb S.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of hemoglobin variants affecting HbA1c measurements is essential, in order to avoid mismanagement of diabetic patients.
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia.
Nadzimah Mohd
NM
Nasir
M
M
Thevarajah
Chew Yee
CY
Yean