HbA1c

Background:

Diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes mellitus

HbA1c measurements are inappropriate for diagnosis in:

• type I diabetes
• pregnancy
• acute illness
• acute pancreatitis
• in patients taking medication causing rapid elevation of glucose (e.g. steroids, anti-psychotics).

Fasting glucose/glucose tolerance testing should be uses in these patients where appropriate.

HbA1c analysis should be used with caution in patients with disordered erythropoesis, haemoglobin variants, haemoglobinopathy or following splenectomy. Fructosamine analysis is an alternative method of monitoring glucose status in these patients.

Please note: samples will not be analysed if previous analysis performed within 3 months unless clinical details state for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Reference ranges:

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Other Comments:

For more information, please see the following: HbA1c - Lab Tests Online