----------
> From: Robin Marks <[log in to unmask]>
>
> The WHO does not define diabetes mellitus (DM) in
> terms of glycohaemoglobin (GHb/HbA1c) so by definition
> we can't use GHb alone to diagnose DM.
Are the reasons why this analyte is not used by WHO related to problems
with its standardization (not withstanding the efforts of the NGSP) and its
measurement in the field - glucose is better on both counts.
The other approach to take is one of whether you get paid to the do the
test - I believe the position in Australia is that the rebate only applies
to the monitoring of DM - all results with values below the upper reference
for non-diabetics could be tagged with a comment outlining the indications
for doing the test.
Having said that a quick look one of our worksheets would show a large
number of patients with HbA1c values <6%
By the way I would like to hear from anyone using (not evaluating) a Biorad
Variant II analyzer to report HbA1c results.
Michael Freemantle
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology
PO Box 344
Indooroopilly Q4068
Brisbane
Australia 4068
ph +61 (0)7 33778638
fax +61 (0)7 38705989
home page http://www.powerup.com.au/~mfreeman
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|