Preparation and use of a quality control hemolysate for microchromatographic determinations of hemoglobin A2

Compared with other methods for determining hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2) levels, the new microchromatography procedures are fast, easy laboratory technics useful for quantitating Hb A2 that can be readily monitored for quality control of results. A reliable method for preparing a stable hemolysate control for monitoring the accuracy and precision of Hb A2 microchromatographic procedures is described. The recombination of purified hemoglobin fractions in known concentrations and the addition of potassium cyanide and carbon monoxide produce a control solution that gives stable hemoglobin A2 values for at least 40 weeks. Variability among six reference laboratories was small.