A change of units for HbA(1c)

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Diabetology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is crucial for monitoring diabetes management.
• Historically, a lack of international standardization hindered accurate HbA1c measurement and reporting.
• This led to variability in assessing long-term glycaemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the rationale for adopting a new international standard for HbA1c measurement.
• To introduce the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standard for HbA1c.
• To inform about the transition to new HbA1c reporting units in UK laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) international standard for HbA1c.
• Implementation of new reporting units for HbA1c measurements.
• Standardization of laboratory practices across the UK.

Main Results:

• An internationally agreed standard for HbA1c measurement and reporting is now established.
• UK laboratories commenced reporting HbA1c in new units from June 1, 2009.
• The change facilitates more consistent and comparable glycaemic control monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The adoption of the IFCC standard provides a unified approach to HbA1c measurement.
• This standardization improves the reliability of long-term glycaemic control assessment in diabetes.
• The transition supports better clinical decision-making and patient care.