Analytical calibre of high performance liquid chromatography and ion exchange chromatography resin methods in estimation of glycated hemoglobin: a comparitive study

Aim: The present study is aimed to assess the precision and reproducibility of Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEC) resin method in comparison to High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with respect to the estimation of Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c). Materials and methods: 72 subjects who visited Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore for HbA1c estimation were enrolled in the study. HbA1c levels were estimated by both the techniques. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 53 +/- 15.35 years and their plasma HbA1c levels estimated by HPLC and IEC were (7.44 +/- 2.02) and (6.53 +/- 1.58) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were obtained from Receiver Operator Curve (ROC). The Area under Curve (AUC) for HPLC was 1 whereas IEC was 0.824. With respect to both IEC and HPLC, women showed significantly higher HbA1c levels (7.70 +/- 2.20 vs. 6.90 +/- 2.0) than men (6.70 +/- 1.40 vs. 6.70 +/- 0.850). Similar values in both the methods were found in men. Conclusion: Although HPLC is considered to be the gold standard method for estimation of HbA1c, IEC being affordable can serve as an alternative when performed carefully with strict precautions especially in basic laboratories providing diagnostic support for the people of lower socio-economic status.