The DCA 2000™ clinical analyser for the measurement of haemoglobin A1c was evaluated for analytical quality. The analyser, which utilises inhibition of latex agglutination immunoassay, demonstrated good within-batch (1 · 9–3 · 1% CV) and between-batch (2·2% CV) imprecision, and was not affected by haemoglobin concentration. The analyser was linear throughout the analytical range, and was found to correlate well with agar electroendosmosis (r = 0·93), affinity chromatography (r=0·97), HPLC (r=0 · 90) and EIA (r=0·98). The analyser was found to give reliable analytical results, and with its ease of use, will provide the diabetologist with HbA1c results in the clinic; although an analysis time of 9 min will limit sample throughput.
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