Comparison of hemoglobin A1C results by two different methods on patients with structural hemoglobin variants

Objectives: The objective was to compare hemoglobin A(1C) (HbA(1C)) results obtained by two methods based on different analytical principles for individuals with a structural hemoglobin variant. Design and methods: Hemoglobin A(1C) results were obtained using the Bio-Rad Variant (based on cation exchange chromatography) and the sayer DCA 2000 (based on an immunological reaction) on individuals with a structural hemoglobin variant. The identity of the hemoglobin variant was confirmed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrophoresis. Results: Hemoglobin A(1C) results obtained by the two methods on individuals with S, C, D, and E trait were in close agreement. Conclusion: The Bio-Rad Variant and Sayer DCA 2000 produce equivalent hemoglobin A(1C) results on patients with S, C, and E trait. With appropriate correction, correlation of hemoglobin A(1C) results from the Bio-Rad Variant for individuals with D trait was good (r = 0.927). Glycohemoglobin results obtained by the two methods for some unusual structural hemoglobin variants were in close agreement. (C) 1998 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.