New system introduced for diabetes patients

The HSE has implemented the international reference measurement system HbA1c for diabetes, to identify those at greater risk of developing complications and to assess the effectiveness of care.

The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) and Laboratory Medicine developed the HbA1c system, which came into use here on 1 July. It measures blood-glucose concentrations over the previous six-to-eight weeks. Dual reporting in both DCCT and HbA1c values will continue until December 31, 2011. The HbA1c system will ultimately lead to comparisons with clinical trials internationally.
Thirty-two HbA1c analysers have been installed in hospitals and 42 have been installed in point-of-care settings. Some 32 of these needed to be replaced with entirely new systems. Valued at €413,300, these were supplied at no additional cost to the HSE. Upgrades and new hardware for HbA1c lab equipment were supplied by Medicon and Unitech. Upgrades and replacement of HbA1c equipment in point-of-care settings were supplied by Cruinn.
Dr Ned Barrett, Chair of the HbA1c Project Team, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, told IMT: “There was an acknowledgement that the transfer needed to be done by all involved in diabetes care, so Ireland became a pilot country for the international suppliers. Other countries have gone half way and decided to complete the approach later on. We’ve done it all in one step.”