Are hemoglobin A_1c point-of-care analyzers fit for purpose? The story continues

Point-of-care (POC) analyzers are playing an increasingly important role in diabetes management but it is essential that we know the performance of these analyzers in order to make appropriate clinical decisions. Whilst there is a growing body of evidence around the more well-known analyzers, there are many 'new kids on the block' with new features, such as displaying the presence of potential Hb-variants, which do not yet have a proven track record.

The study is a comprehensive analytical and usability study of six POC analyzers for HbA_1c using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocols, international quality targets and certified International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) Secondary Reference Measurement Procedures (SRMP). The study includes precision (EP-5 and EP-15), trueness (EP-9), linearity (EP-6), sample commutability (fresh, frozen and lyophilized), interference of Hb-variants (fresh and frozen samples).

Only two of the six analyzers performed to acceptable levels over the range of performance criteria. Hb-variant interference, imprecision or variability between lot numbers are still poor in four of the analyzers.

This unique and comprehensive study shows that out of six POC analyzers studied only two (The Lab 001 and Cobas B101) met international quality criteria (IFCC and NGSP), two (A1Care and Innovastar) were borderline and two (QuikReadgo and Allegro) were unacceptable. It is essential that the scientific and clinical community are equipped with this knowledge in order to make sound decisions on the use of these analyzers.