Evaluation of a new semi-automated high-performance liquid chromatography method for glycosylated haemoglobins

The measurement of glycosylated haemoglobin in blood is vital for monitoring metabolic control in diabetics [1-3]. The development of many different methods of measurement (based on cation-exchange chromatography, electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC], affinity chromatography, radio and colorimetric immuno techniques) proves the importance of this assay [4]. Since the first HPLC method was described [5] a number of modifications have been reported (see the review by Ellis et al. [6]). Instruments have been specially designed and commercialized (for example by Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, Texas, USA and Kyoto Daichi, Japan).