Abstract :Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to identify potential disparities between Point-Of-Care Testing
(POCT) and laboratory hemoglobinH bA1c reporting at a Federally Qualified Health Center
(FQHC).
Methods: The electronic medical record was reviewed to identify POCT HbA1c done at a FQHC
and centralized laboratory HbA1c performed on the same day. Manual data extraction was used to
identify potential variables that could account for disparities between POCT and laboratory testing.
Results: A total of 42 samples in 40 patients were identified. The median HbA1c difference was
1.5mmol/mol (0.15%) and ranged from -26-52 mmol/mol (-2.4 to 4.8%). Of the patients in the
study, two had underlying co morbidities that could affect the POCT HbA1c.
Conclusion: Point-of-care HbA1c testing should not be used in solidarity to diagnosis pre-diabetes
and diabetes. When using HbA1c results to guide therapy, self-monitoring of blood glucose and
symptoms of both hypo- and hyperglycemia should be correlated to help determine appropriate
therapy.