HEMOGLOBIN A1C ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Course overview

The critical role of the clinical laboratory in managing health and treating disease is best demonstrated by its impact on diabetes and gylcemic control. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the Unites States. The disease accounts for more than $130 million per year in healthcare costs, and those costs are projected to rise steadily through 2020. Effective management of the disease relies upon careful and consistent control of blood glucose levels. The Hemoglobin A1C test is the most test requested for monitoring diabetic glycemic control. This presentation will discuss the most common methods of Hemoglobin A1C measurement, including standardization and its impact on patient care. Advantages and disadvantages of each method will be presented. Common problems that can lead to erroneous determinations as well as the effect of specific hemoglobinopathies will be introduced in a case study format. The use of Hemoglobin A1C as an estimate of long-term average blood glucose levels will be presented. In addition, data demonstrating how Hemoglobin A1C values from the laboratory can be used by a physician's practice group to manage diabetic patients will be presented. The importance of accurate Hemoglobin A1C measurement and its impact on today's quality healthcare initiatives will be discussed.