For the quantitative determination of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in human blood

This method utilizes the interaction of antigen and antibody to directly determine the HbA1c in whole blood. Total hemoglobin and HbA1c have the same unspecific absorption rate to latex particles. When mouse antihuman HbA1c monoclonal antibody is added (R2), latex-HbA1c-mouse anti human HbA1c antibody complex is formed. Agglutination is formed when goat anti-mouse IgG polyclonal antibody interacts with the monoclonal antibody. The amount of agglutination is proportional to the amount of HbA1c absorbed on to the surface of latex particles. The amount of agglutination is measured as absorbance. The HbA1c value is obtained from a calibration curve.

The Olympus Hemoglobin A1c reagent is for use on the Beckman Coulter AU 400, 480, and 640 analyzers.

The determination of HbA1c is most commonly performed for the evaluation of glycemic control in diabetes mellitus. HbA1c values provide an indication of glucose levels over the preceding 4-8 weeks. A higher HbA1c value indicates poorer glycemic control. For in vitro diagnostic use only.