IFCC Standardization of HbA1c
The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Working Group (IFCC-WG) on HbA1c Standardization has developed reference methods for HbA1c analysis. They have established a laboratory network, which includes two reference methods, mass spectroscopy and capillary electrophoresis. Each network laboratory uses prepared mixtures of purified Hemoglobin A1c and HbA0 as calibrators.
The relationship between HbA1c results from the NGSP network and the IFCC network has been evaluated and a master equation has been developed (NGSP = [0.915 * IFCC] + 2.15). IFCC results are consistently 1.5-2% HbA1c lower throughout the range of values compared to NGSP results. Additional work is needed to validate the stability of the IFCC network as well as the stability of the NGSP/IFCC relationship. If the IFCC network and the NGSP / IFCC relationship prove to be robust, the NGSP will adopt the IFCC method(s) as a new anchor. The NGSP certification process, and most important, test results for NGSP-certified methods, would not change and would continue to be directly traceable to the DCCT reference. Click here for more information about the IFCC-WG.