Situations where HbA1c is not appropriate for diagnosis of diabetes: ALL children and young people. patients of any age suspected of having Type 1 diabetes. patients with symptoms of diabetes for less than 2 months.

When is HbA1c not reliable?

Conditions in which there is increased red blood cell destruction can lead to a falsely low HbA1c value. This includes renal anaemia, chronic haemolytic anaemia, renal dialysis, chronic malaria, acute blood loss and recent transfusion.

What are the limitations of HbA1c test?

HbA1c testing cannot be used in patients with abnormal red cell turnover (eg, hemolytic or iron-deficiency anemia). The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends that HbA1C be considered an additional, optional diagnostic criterion, rather than the primary criterion for diagnosis of diabetes.