Turbitex® HbA_1c/Hb

What is HbA_1c?

Hemoglobin consists of four protein chains with four heme portions, and is located in the erythrocytes. Its main function is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. HbA1c is the glycated form of hemoglobin, formed by the attachment of sugars to the molecule when glucose levels are elevated. HbA1c levels increase with the average concentration of glucose in the blood.

The risk of complications associated with diabetes, including nephropathy and retinopathy, increases in patients with poor metabolic control. HbA1c gives an indication of the average blood glucose level during the preceeding 6 to 8 weeks. It is useful for monitoring treatment compliance in diabetic patients and for predicting the development of diabetic complications in Type 1 patients. For routine use, HbA1c levels should be monitored every 3 to 4 months. However in gestational diabetes and after a change in therapy it may be useful to measure HbA1c more frequently, at 2 to 4 week intervals.

How is HbA_1c measured?

Total hemoglobin and HbA1c concentrations are measured and the HbA1c result is calculated as a percentage of the total hemoglobin concentration. After lysis of red blood cells the hemoglobin chain is hydrolysed by a protease and hemoglobin derivatives are converted to alkaline haematin, which is measured by absorption. HbA1c is then measured using a latex agglutination inhibition rate assay. HbA1c competes with the agglutination reagent for antibody sites, reducing the absorption measurement.

Wide Measuring Range
7g/dl to 23g/dl for total hemoglobin, [1,8 to 17,2% for % HbA1c]

Reagent Stability
 All reagents are stable to expiry

Sample Type
Suitable for use in whole blood samples.

Strong correlation with standard methods
A good correlation was obtained with a competitor method.



Automated Assay
Completely automated protocols are available for a range of analysers.

Interference
The following analyte concentrations were not found to affect the assay

Bilirubin 30 mg/dl Triglyceride 1600 mg/dl RF 2000 lU/ml Acetylsalicylic Acid 60 mg/dl Sodium Cyanate 50 mg/dl Urea 500 mg/dl