HbA1c: chasing numbers or considering context?
Data(s) |
01/01/2014
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Resumo |
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA<sub>1c</sub>) reflects the average blood glucose level in the three months preceding the test. Changes in consecutive HbA<sub>1c</sub> tests indicate deteriorating, or improved, glycaemic control. HbA<sub>1c</sub> is considered to be the "gold standard" measure of blood glucose control and is often used as the basis for prescribing choices and other care decisions. A number of factors can affect the accuracy of the HbA<sub>1c</sub> result, for example, the life span of red blood cells, assay methods and clinicians' awareness of possible interfering factors. The aim of this article is to outline how HbA<sub>1c</sub> is used as a diagnostic test, how it is used to monitor glycaemic control and how it can guide management decisions. It is also important to emphasise the importance of considering HbA<sub>1c</sub> in the context of the individual rather than as an isolated number. |
Identificador | |
Idioma(s) |
eng |
Publicador |
SB Communications Group |
Relação |
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30061485/dunning-hbachasing-2014.pdf |
Direitos |
2014, SB Communications Group |
Palavras-Chave | #diabetes mellitus #nursing #hemoglobin A #glycosylated #blood #diagnosis #patient centred care #diabetes education #patient education |
Tipo |
Journal Article |