engleski

HEMOGLOBIN A1c EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN CROATIA. A FIVE-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Background. External quality assessment (EQA) for hemoglobin A1c has been conducted in Croatia since 2005, as a dedicated module within the National EQAS. The aim of this module was not only to improve analytical quality, but also to provide necessary educational tool for local implementation of the global harmonization goals regarding hemoglobin A1c testing. Methods. Commercially available liophylizates with declared target values according to both IFCC and NGSP reference systems for a wide range of methods/reagents were selected as control materials. Results were evaluated using ERL (European Reference Laboratory for Glycohemoglobin) criteria. Results. 28 laboratories participated in the first EQA-cycle at the end of 2005. In subsequent years 3, 2, 2 and 2 cycles were conducted, with a continuous increase in the average number of participants/cycle: 29, 34, 36 and 43 (in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively). A continuous improvement in analytical quality has been observed: the proportion of the laboratories reporting results with bad/unacceptable deviations fom target values decreased from 25% at the beginning to 22%, 15%, 11% and 9% in the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. By the end of 2009 all the methods were anchored to the IFCC- reference system, and reporting units were harmonized to the NGSP/DCCT-equivalents by using appropriate master-equation(s). Conclusions. These results confirm the validity of sofar implemented EQA for hemoglobin A1c and support further activities aimed to improve quality, harmonization, as well as clinical availability/utilization of hemoglobin A1c , as a key laboratory test in the management of diabetes mellitus.

HbA1c; External Quality Assessment; Croatia

nije evidentirano