GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN A1C: IMMUNOTURBIDIMETRY AND IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE METHODS

Objective: to compare the two immunological methods of HbA1c determination available at the two university hospital centers in the capital of Madagascar.

Methods:Prospective comparative study between two HbA1C assay techniquesat the University Hospital Center Joseph RavoahangyAndrianavalona and University Hospital Center Joseph RasetaBefelatanana both localized at Antananarivo Madagascar was conducted. The two techniques used are immunoturbidimetry and immunofluorescence. Fifty samples were run simultaneously on both techniques to assess the dispersion and correlation of HbA1C values. A history of haemoglobin abnormalities is previously researched in the medical records for the samples.

Results:The correlation coefficient for the 2 techniques is 0.97. The Bland –Altman plot shows a funnel-shaped appearance. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient is 0.851 CI [-0.036 - 0.962]. No hemoglobin abnormalities were documented in any of the 50 samples

Conclusion: It is essential to keep the same technique for monitoring HbA1c. Our study shows poor reproducibility for the two techniques compared. A strong relationship between the technique used and the HbA1c value was found for the extreme values. It is important to specify the technique used to support prescribers.