HbA1c – Boronate Affinity

Haematology

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Description

During routine Capillary Electrophoresis measurement of HbA1c on the Sebia Capillarys 3 analysers, some patients show interference on the resulting electropherogram that interferes with the correct determination of the HbA1c result. Because the Afinion analyser provides a ‘total glycated haemoglobin result’ it is not influenced by these factors and can be used to give a result which is meaningful and useful in monitoring the diabetic control of the small group of patients affected. The Afinion result may also be used in patients with homozygous or double heterozygous Hb variants such as HbSS (Sickle cell disease) and HbSC (Hb SC disease) where the patient has no HbA1c, and a total glycated haemoglobin result is still useful.

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Indications

There is no interference from Hb Variants, as the Boronate Affinity method measures Total Glycated Haemoglobin. It is because of this property, that we use the analyser to process samples where variants interfere with the CE method. It is not suitable for routine HbA1c analysis for this very reason. i.e it will still give a result even in the complete absence of HbA1c.

If the sample has a haemoglobin of <60g/L or >200g/L, we are unable to use this method.

If the HbA1c is <20mmol/mol or >140mmol/mol, we are unable to use this method.

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Sample Type

EDTA Whole Blood 4ml (Purple top)

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Reference Range

19-41 mmol/mol – Normal Range
42-47 mmol/mol – Pre-Diabetic Range
>47mmol/mol – Diabetic Range

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Turnaround Time

Within 1 working day

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Testing Frequency

Daily (weekdays)

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External Notes

Results for the Boronate Affinity method will be accompanied by a text comment on the report which states ‘Due to an interfering factor, we are unable to process this patient’s sample by our CE method. This sample has therefore been processed on the Afinion Boronate affinity analyser.

In cases where a patient is known to have no HbA1c such as in Homozygous sickle Cell disease an additional comment is added stating that ‘This result should be regarded as a ‘total glycated haemoglobin’ measurement as the patient has no HbA1c. Suggest discuss this patient’s glycaemic control with the diabetes team’

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Patient Preparation

None

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References

Jeppsson, JO et al. Approved IFCC Reference Method for the measurement of HbA1c in Human Blood, Clin Chem Lab Med 2002; 40(1): 78-89 Axis-Shield. Afinion AS100 Analyser User Manual

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See Also

HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.