Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : November 20, 2017 12:39 PM IST
If you are diabetic or anyone from your family suffers from diabetes, then you might be well aware of the HbA1c test for diabetes. Known as glycosylated haemoglobin, the test is commonly used to know how well your blood glucose levels are managed over time. It is recommended that diabetics should get HbA1c levels tested twice a year. In some cases, HbA1c is also recommended so as to not miss out some of the undiagnosed cases. But the question is have you ever asked the lab attendant about the methods they are using for doing the HbA1c test? Wondering what's the need? Continue reading to know the answer.
Why choose HPLC method for HbA1c testing?
Not many are aware that HbA1c test should always be done by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method. If your doctor has prescribed all 3 tests for diabetes, Dr Pradeep Gadge, Diabetologist, Shreya Diabetes Centre, Mumbai says that do specify HPLC method for HbA1c at a lab, which is the most authentic and gold standard technique.
There are different methods to do HbA1c such as enzymatic methods, turbidimetric and chromatography (low and high pressure). However, the most reliable reports are obtained with HPLC method. For any test, it is important for the tests to be reproducible. And getting the HbA1c test through HPLC method just does the same. Also, the variability and coefficient of variation should be less, which is the case with HPLC. And this is the reason, why HPLC method should be preferred. The cost of the test varies from lab to lab but it should not cost you more than Rs 600.
So the next time your doctor prescribes HbA1c test, do not forget to ask your lab attendant to do it using the HPLC method. Also read about the tests for diabetes.
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