Ann Pharmacol Pharm | Volume 3, Issue 2 | Research Article | Open Access

Variation between Point-of-Care and Laboratory HbA1cTesting in Clinical Practice

Shawn E Fellows* and Gabriela Cipriano

Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College, USA

*Correspondance to: Shawn E Fellows 

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Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify potential disparities between Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) and laboratory hemoglobinH bA1c reporting at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Methods: The electronic medical record was reviewed to identify POCT HbA1c done at a FQHC and centralized laboratory HbA1c performed on the same day. Manual data extraction was used to identify potential variables that could account for disparities between POCT and laboratory testing.
Results: A total of 42 samples in 40 patients were identified. The median HbA1c difference was 1.5mmol/mol (0.15%) and ranged from -26-52 mmol/mol (-2.4 to 4.8%). Of the patients in the study, two had underlying co morbidities that could affect the POCT HbA1c.
Conclusion: Point-of-care HbA1c testing should not be used in solidarity to diagnosis pre-diabetes and diabetes. When using HbA1c results to guide therapy, self-monitoring of blood glucose and symptoms of both hypo- and hyperglycemia should be correlated to help determine appropriate therapy.

Citation:

Fellows SE, Cipriano G. Variation between Point-of-Care and Laboratory HbA1cTesting in Clinical Practice. Ann Pharmacol Pharm. 2018; 3(2): 1143.

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