Overview of HbA1c and Glycaemic Control
HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, is formed when glucose reacts with normal haemoglobin. It serves as an indicator of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, correlating with the lifespan of red blood cells (100-120 days). High HbA1c levels are associated with increased risks of diabetes complications, including issues with the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves.

Importance of HbA1c Measurement
Monitoring %HbA1c is crucial for managing diabetes, as it helps assess the effectiveness of glucose control strategies. Elevated HbA1c levels are linked to a higher likelihood of developing complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, neuropathy, and coronary heart disease.

Axis-Shield HbA1c Assay
The Axis-Shield HbA1c assay provides a precise and accurate method for determining %HbA1c in whole blood. It is compatible with various clinical chemistry instruments and offers high intra-assay precision and total imprecision rates. The assay is simple to use, requiring minimal sample preparation and offering stable reagents.

Assay Precision and Accuracy
Three whole blood samples were tested, showing consistent precision with intra-assay CVs ranging from 2.4% to 2.6% and total imprecision CVs from 2.9% to 3.3%. The assay's accuracy was validated against Capillary Electrophoresis, showing a strong correlation (r = 0.97).

Interference and Variants
The assay was tested for interference with haemoglobin variants A2, S, C, D, E, and F, showing no significant interference. Recovery rates for these variants ranged from 96% to 108%.

Product Information and Ordering
The Axis-Shield HbA1c assay uses a Latex Turbidimetric Immunoassay method, is NGSP-certified, and is suitable for K2-EDTA or LiHep whole blood samples. The kit includes reagents and calibrators, with a stability of 30 days for reagents and 14 days for calibration. It is adaptable to major platforms like Beckman Coulter, Roche Cobas, and Siemens.

Contact Information
For more details, Axis-Shield can be contacted at their Dundee, Scotland office, or through their website.