A1C Inaccuracy

Apr 28, 2018

In which of the examples can HbA1c be inaccurate? (When presented to 200 medical professionals, 20% got it wrong.)

	A. Recent blood transfusion
	B. Renal failure
	C. G6PD deficiency
	D. Medication Uwe (e.g. aspirin)
	E. All of the above

Correct

Correct answer is: E. All of the above

Explanation: All these examples compromise a patient’s HbA1c reading. A recent blood transfusion can decrease a patient’s HbA1c because the blood being measured is not the patient’s own; renal failure and G6PD deficiency shorten the lifespan of the red blood cell and can lead to an artificially low HbA1c; and some medications such as aspirin can affect glycation and lead to an altered HbA1c.

References:

American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(Suppl 1):S13-S27.

Incorrect