A microcolumn method for the measurement of haemoglobin A1 (Hb A1) was assessed. The between assay coefficient of variation was less than 4 %. Factors influencing the assay are discussed. Fluoride oxalated blood was found to be unsuitable for Hb A1 assay. Hb A1 in whole heparinised blood was found to be stable for nine days at 4°C and for longer if buffered dextrose was added to the sample. The possibility of artefactual lowering of the Hb A1 value by the selective loss of older red cells was investigated.
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