Abstract:

Glycated hemoglobin A_1c（HbA_1c） is an important parameter for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and monitoring treatment efficiency. After HbA_1c measurand being defined by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine （IFCC）,with efforts,the differences are decreasing gradually among clinical laboratories in the world. Although HbA_1c manufacturers introduce their instruments' advantages and clinical significance mainly,instead of weaknesses,clinical laboratories should know instruments' characteristics and disadvantages. Instruments can be used into clinical determinations,only when the analysis performances have been verified and satisfy clinical application. Every laboratory should use 2 different methods,which can identify whether there is abnormal hemoglobin or not. Although HbA_1c can be determined by immunological methods without interference from abnormal hemoglobin,the influence of abnormal hemoglobin has not been defined. In short,clinical laboratories should learn as much information as possible for patients.

Key words: Glycated hemoglobin A1c, Standardization, Accuracy