Individuals with long-standing diabetes may present with a condition called erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency. EPO deficiency and/or anemia are considered serious conditions requiring appropriate medical intervention. DEK can adversely affect the A1c answer and each sample should be screened for the presence of DEK.

Estimates report that over 650,000 Black Americans with diabetes are know to have the Sickle Cell Trait (Hb "S, C or F") "Don't be fooled by claims of accuracy when an A1c method and/or disposable monitoring device has CV's (coefficient of variation) greater than 2.0% or can not detect an abnormal hemoglobin".

"An A1c method and/or monitoring device with a CV of 7.0 % could mean that if your actual A1c level was 6.5% it could be reported anywhere from 5.0% to 8.0% providing false and/or misleading therapeutic information," not to mention the impact of an abnormal hemoglobin on the A1c value that the particular method or device is incapable of detecting.

Each AccuBase A1c sample is analyzed by an HPLC-IE procedure with resulting printed Chromatogram as shown below. The laboratory staff is available to discuss individual chromatograms with your physician and/or medical personnel.

The AccuBase A1c Test Kit is a non-fasting, finger stick, mail-in test, considered the most accurate and precise A1c test available. The test is considered sensitive and specific enough to detect diabetes (less than 2.0% CV's). CV's are under 1.0%. CV's indicate the level of repeated accuracy compared to a known laboratory A1c value. The lower the CV's the more accurate the A1c test.

The AccuBase A1c Test Kit method is NGSP certified (values referenced to the DCCT). The AccuBase A1c Test Kit does not require any drying time, samples can be collected and mailed within minutes. The kit comes complete with patient positive ID vials and plastic capillary tubes/device.

The analytical method is interference free. Samples are stable for 30 day un-refrigerated. Each test result comes with a Mean Blood Glucose calculation based on the DCCT MBG Equation: % A1c X 31.7 - 66.1 = MBG in mg/dl. Test results are typically available within 5 to 7 days form mailing. Special handling can be arranged to provide, next-day, two-day or three day results. Ideal for confidential diabetes (mean blood glucose) screening, outreach programs and clinical trails.

The first graph demonstrates a normal chromatogram with no hemoglobin variants present and a normal A1c level.

The Chromatogram on the second graph demonstrates an highly elevated level of hemoglobin F (25.6%). This elevated level of Hb F resulted in a sub-normal A1c value of 3.2%. Normal range of A1c assay (4.2% - 6.0%).

Unless you have been screened for hemoglobin variants you would not know you carry the hereditary persistent variant, or be aware of its associated impact on your A1c level.

Increased levels of Hemoglobin F may represent an increased risk for SIDS in infants, and may represent as association in various types of leukemia and/or solid tumors. Mothers that smoke or have been exposed to environmental pollution during pregnancy may have a much higher level of Hb F in the baby which may increase the risk of SIDS in the newborn.

AccuBase A1c Test Kit Cleared for OTC use by the FDA (no prescription needed in most states). Patients can receive a copy of the test results. Electronic reporting to managed care health organizations/providers is available.

The AccuBase A1cTest Kit uses the "gold standard" HPLC-IE or BA methodology to collect and analyze A1c samples in alternate site locations such as the home, physicians office and/or clinic.