Determination of glycosylated haemoglobins with the "fast haemoglobin test system": methodological aspects (author's transl)

Abstract

Tenfold determination of HbA1a+b+c from ten different blood samples by means of the "fast haemoglobin test system":" gave a standard deviation of 0.12% for the same sample. Serial observations on the same group of subjects without metabolic abnormalities indicated differing quality of various samples in the test system. Measurements on capillary blood, venous blood and heparinised blood gave identical values. Blood or haemolysate could be stored for at least three days at 22.5 degrees C, 4 degrees C or -20 degrees C, column eluate at 22.5 degrees C for at least five hours without altering the results. Hyperlipaemic blood led to the obtaining of falsely high values and had to be washed before analysis. Acute elevation in blood-glucose level induced by an oral glucose tolerance test of maturity-onset diabetics requiring insulin led to a short-lived rise in HbA1a+b+c. The "fast haemoglobin test system" is, after elimination of certain potential errors, a simple, rapid and reproducible means of measuring HbA1a+b+c. The concentration of HbA1a+b+c apparently mirrors shortlived changes in blood sugar level and not only longterm effects on the metabolic state.