Glycolated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)
Last updated 03.11.12
Definition
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Amount of glycated Hb in serum as a marker of serum glucose
levels over life of RBC (3 months)
Indication
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DM
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Indicator of level of control
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May be used as Dx of DM2: >6.5%
Features
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Glycated Hb in RBCs reflects
amount of glucose in serum
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Not sensitive but very specific
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Not appropriate in pts w haemoglobinopathies, recent blood loss/transfusion
Procedure
Results
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Normal 4-6%
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Target <7% in DM
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Fair control 7.1 – 7.9%
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Poor control 8 – 9.9%
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Very poor control >9.9%
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Falsely high
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Increased RBC life: B12 or folate def..
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Falsely low
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Reduced RBC life: G6PD def., Sickle cell, anaemia..