| MHSPS adopts new HbA1c unit |
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As of 1/7/2011, HbA1c will be reported in dual units ( NGSP DCCT % and IFCC mmol/mol) as per international and local guide-lines.
Why change to the new unit?
A new standard for HbA1c was prepared by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). The change of the HbA1c reporting unit to the IFCC unit (mmol HbA1c/ mol total Hb) allows laboratory result to be traceable to the IFCC reference system, thereby minimising the differences seen in patient results when measured at different laboratories. This ensures a more accurate HbA1c is delivered to clinicians for patient care.
In line with International and Australian recommendations (AACB, RCPA, ADS, ADEA) for the standardisation of HbA1c assays, Melbourne Health Shared Pathology Service will commence dual reporting of HbA1c in IFCC unit (mmol/mol) with the current NGSP/DCCT derived unit (%) from 1/7/2011. The NGSP/DCCT derived unit (%) will be phased out in 2 years’ time and only the IFCC unit (mmol/mol) will be used.
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The analytical method of HbA1c and the general target for patients remain unchanged. The two units can be inter-converted according to the table below:
|
NGSP/ DCCT- HbA1c (%) |
IFCC-
HbA1c (mmol/mol) |
|
6.0 |
42 |
|
6.5 |
48 |
|
7.0 |
53 |
|
7.5 |
59 |
|
8.0 |
64 |
|
9.0 |
75 |
Further information:
For more information on the new HbA1c reporting unit, please contact our chemical pathologists Dr Malcolm Mohr on 93428736, Dr Cherie Chiang on 93427942 or Senior Scientist Robert Fullinfaw on 93427042.
References:
Consensus Statement on the worldwide standardisation of the HbA1c measurement. Diabetes care 2007;20:2399-2400.
Recommended Changes in HbA1c Reporting Units for Australian Laboratories. http://www.aacb.asn.au/admin/?getfile=2802
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