title: Pathology consultation on HbA(1c) methods and interferences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the various hemoglobin (Hb) A1c methods, with a focus on interferences resulting from Hb variants.
  
  
  METHODS
  HbA1c is a marker used for the diagnosis and management of diabetes. Each available HbA1c method has advantages and challenges, such as its susceptibility to interferences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The presence of Hb variants and/or abnormalities in RBC turnover cannot only interfere analytically with HbA1c measurements but also may affect the clinical interpretation of HbA1c values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Familiarity with the advantages and challenges of the various methods used for HbA1c testing is essential when establishing therapeutic management and goals based on HbA1c results, especially in populations with a high prevalence of Hb variants.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Ave NE, Davis Fischer Bldg, Room 1239, Atlanta, GA 30308; rjmolin@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Jeanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rhea
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Molinaro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002846:Chromatography, Affinity / Q000379:methods; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange / Q000379:methods; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary / Q000379:methods; D004905:Erythrocyte Aging; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D006451:Hemoglobin, Sickle / Q000032:analysis; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D006451:Hemoglobin, Sickle; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human
keywords: Blood glucose concentrations; Diabetes; HbA1c interferences; HbA1c interpretation; HbA1c methods