Proficiency testing of Hb A1c: A 4-year experience in Taiwan and the Asian Pacific region
Journal
Clinical Chemistry
Journal Volume
55
Journal Issue
10
Pages
1876-1880
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The correlation between hemoglobin A1c (Hb A 1c) and risk for complications in diabetic patients heightens the need to measure Hb A1c with accuracy. We evaluated the current performance for measuring Hb A1c in the Asian and Pacific region by examining data submitted by laboratories participating in the Taiwan proficiency-testing program. METHODS: Five fresh-pooled blood samples were sent to participating laboratories twice each year. The results were evaluated against target values assigned by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program network laboratories; a passing criterion of ±7% of the target value was used. Measurement uncertainty at Hb A1c concentrations of 7.0% and 8.0% were determined. RESULTS: A total of 276 laboratories from 11 countries took part in the Hb A1c survey. At the Hb A1c concentrations tested method-specific interlaboratory imprecision (CVs) were 1.1%-13.9% in 2005, 1.3%-10.1% in 2006, 1.2%-8.2% in 2007, and 1.1%-6.1% in 2008. Differences between target values and median values from the commonly used methods ranged from -0.24% to 0.22% Hb A1c in 2008. In 2005 83% of laboratories passed the survey, and in 2008 93% passed. At 7.0% Hb A 1c,measurement uncertainty was on average 0.49% Hb A1c. CONCLUSIONS: The use of accuracy-based proficiency testing with stringent quality criteria has improved the performance of Hb A1c testing in the Asian and Pacific laboratories during the 4 years of assessment.
SDGs
Other Subjects
hemoglobin A1c; accuracy; analytic method; article; Asia; blood sampling; diabetes mellitus; glycemic control; hemoglobin blood level; hemoglobin determination; human; laboratory test; major clinical study; normal human; proficiency testing; quality control; quantitative analysis; Taiwan; Asia, Western; Australasia; Clinical Chemistry Tests; Far East; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Malaysia; Quality Control
Type
journal article