The chromatographic separation of glycosylated haemoglobins: a comparison between macro- and micromethods

The microchromatographic determination of "fast haemoglobins" is currently used in long-term control of diabetes: its use is made easier by commercially available kits, that are impaired by some analytical variables. For a good standardization of these kits a comparison with an accurate method of analysis is necessary. The macrochromatographic column allows the determination of each fast component with a good precision, and reveals the great complexity of human haemoglobin. Comparison of the two methods shows that the most appropriate temperature of elution for the kit is 20 degrees C and that the increase in the fraction of "fast haemoglobins" in diabetic samples is only related to the HbA1c component.