Standardization of estimating HBA1C

? Who will  standardize Laboratory methodology  for estimation of Haemoglobin A1c  and instruments used for estimation in India ??  What is meant by “National Glycohamoglobin standardization programme” in Western part of Globe??   Ans: Such standardized gadgets are available in advanced countries and in those  advance countries by National Glycohamoglobin standardization program  is existent  in 99% of the laboratories estimating HbA1c  are NSGP  certified in USA.

HbA1c values are reproducible storage of collected blood for few hours does not lead to faulty estimation . In addition HbA1chas a better co relationship with micro vascular complications as compared to blood glucose values. While   the former is an indicator of average glycemic control over preceding 12 weeks the later gives information  about glycemic control at the precise point of time of drawing glucose from the  body. Thus  HbA1c  is relatively  unaffected  by acute stressful  conditions. Moreover blood for  it estimation  can be  drawn at any time of the day.

Considering  above  listed advantage of using HbA1c   test some  diabetologists  in advanced  countries  are of the opinion  that it should be used  as an additional option for the diagnosis  of diabetes in non pregnant persons. In 2008  The American  Diabetes Association along with international Diabetes  Federation  and European  Society for study of Diabetes   had jointly set up a committee of experts   to study  the current and  future means  of diagnosing diabetes in non pregnant adults . The international committee’s  reports  was discussed in a symposium held during American Diabetes Association’s annual Congress in June 2009 and published in June 2009  issue of Diabetes Care.