title: Lack of precision in HbA(1c) values on variant II in cases of hemoglobin Q India.
abstract: This study was carried out to check the precision of HbA(1c) values on Bio-Rad Variant II in cases of a rare hemoglobin variant Q India. The study was carried out over a three month period on samples collected for HbA(1c) estimation. Seven out of eleven patients showed variable results of HbA(1c) with a very high and unacceptable intraday mean coefficient of variation (CV) of 9.93%. We conclude, that the results of HbA(1c) on Variant II can not be reported without adversely affecting HbA(1c) as a marker of long-term glycemic control in patients who have hemoglobin Q India. The HbA(1c) value of these patients needs to be assessed by a different instrument/method or the glycemic control be monitored by an alternate test like serum Fructosamine.
authors.affiliation: Dr Lal PathLabs Pvt Ltd, 'ESKAY HOUSE', 54, Hanuman Road, 110001 New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Nigam
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sareen
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lal
keywords: HbA1c; diabetes mellitus; precision; variant hemoglobin