Evaluation of Manual Hb A1C Determination Methods in Diabetic Patients with Sickle Cell Trait

an irreversible non-enzymatic glycation at one or both NH2- terminal valines of the β –chain. Sickle hemoglobin, or HbS, has a valine for glutamic acid substitution at position 6 of the β chain. The prevalence of sickle cell trait reported to be 2.5% in Basrah city. The hemoglobin A1C (A1C) test can lead to false outcomes resulting in over- treatment or under-treatment of diabetes in people with inherited hemoglobin variants. on the evaluation of sickle cell trait effect on HbA1c measurement by the minicolumn ion exchange resin methods and compare them with Biorad Variant (HPLC method).the one of methods certified by national glycohemoglobin standardization Glycohemoglobin Glycohemglobin ) the HPLC) about (1.5, 1.15) . These difference show a significant statistical correlation with hemoglobin S level with r =0.856; p value<0.001. This study demonstrate the significant difference in Glycated hemoglobin measurements between different methods commercially available in local markets which had been shown to give false negative results in sickle trait patients when compared to those methods standardized by NGSP system. And recommend that such methods to be avoided in patient with sickle cell trait.