Hemoglobin A1c Testing in Patients With Diabetes

Abstract: Measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is clinically useful for both the diagnosis of diabetes and for monitoring glycemic control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This chapter focuses on testing the monitoring of glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Although laboratory values are method specific and no clinical cutoffs for monitoring therapy or risk prediction are currently recognized, HbA1c levels typically range between 4.5% and 7.0% of total blood hemoglobin. Thus, current American Diabetes Association–recommended treatment goal is to achieve HbA1c levels lower than 7%. American Diabetes Association guidance also includes the recommendation that only HbA1c methods that have been certified by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program be used and that testing of patients with stable glycemic control be performed annually. More frequent testing is recommended during periods when treatment adjustments are required to achieve glycemic control. It is important to note that HbA1c measurements are useful for assessing hyperglycemia but not hypoglycemia.
Source: Point of Care: The Journal of Near-Patient Testing and Technology - Category: Pathology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research