Quantitative determination of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from dried blood spot. Performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ion exchange on a Bio-Rad D-10 system.
1 analyte (NGSP %)
3–5 working days
This method enables accurate measurement of glycated hemoglobin A1c fraction from capillary blood collected on a dried blood spot card, providing a reliable indicator of average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2–3 months.
Clinical indications include:
| Analyte / Group | Components | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin A1c | HbA1c (NGSP %) | Glycated fraction of hemoglobin reflecting average blood glucose concentration over 2–3 months; used for diabetes diagnosis and glycaemic monitoring |
HbA1c is quantified from a single dried blood spot using HPLC with ion exchange, providing high specificity and robust performance. Results are reported as NGSP (%) values.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is formed by the non-enzymatic attachment of glucose to the N-terminal valine of the hemoglobin beta chain. Because red blood cells have an average lifespan of approximately 120 days, HbA1c provides a weighted average of blood glucose concentrations over the preceding 2–3 months, making it the gold-standard biomarker for long-term glycaemic control.
Normal range (non-diabetic)
Pre-diabetes (increased risk)
Diagnostic threshold for diabetes
Unlike fasting glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests, HbA1c does not require fasting and is less affected by day-to-day variability, acute illness, or stress. This makes it particularly well-suited for population screening, especially when combined with DBS sampling for remote or at-home collection.
Dried blood spot collection offers a significant practical advantage for HbA1c testing. A simple fingerprick sample collected on a TFN card (Ahlstrom-Munksjö) can be posted to the laboratory at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for venepuncture, cold-chain logistics, or clinic visits. This approach is especially valuable for remote monitoring of diabetic patients, large-scale screening programmes, and clinical trials.
Testing is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ion exchange on a Bio-Rad D-10 system. Capillary blood is collected on dried blood spot cards and the extract is analysed to determine the HbA1c fraction as a percentage (NGSP). The method has been clinically validated in-house with documented accuracy, precision, and method-comparison data against reference standards.
This method is performed on dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected via fingerprick. Samples can be posted to the laboratory at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for venepuncture, cold-chain logistics, or clinic visits.
From enquiry to results in a few simple steps — no clinic visit required.
This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:
Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is formed by the non-enzymatic attachment of glucose to haemoglobin in red blood cells. Because red blood cells have an average lifespan of approximately 120 days, HbA1c provides a weighted average of your blood glucose levels over the preceding 2 to 3 months. It is considered the gold standard biomarker for long-term glycaemic control and is used for both diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.
Testing HbA1c from a finger-prick dried blood spot eliminates the need for a clinic visit and venous blood draw. This is particularly useful for ongoing monitoring between GP appointments, for patients in remote areas, and for large-scale screening programmes. The DBS sample can be posted at room temperature without cold-chain logistics, making it a convenient and accessible option for regular diabetes monitoring.
The test uses a simple finger-prick to collect a few drops of blood onto a dried blood spot (DBS) card. You can do this at home or in a clinic — no venous blood draw or fasting is required. The DBS card is stable at room temperature and can be posted to our laboratory by regular mail from anywhere in the world.
Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) with ion exchange on a Bio-Rad D-10 system, providing high specificity and robust performance for accurate HbA1c measurement.
An HbA1c below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol) is considered normal. A level between 5.7% and 6.4% (39 to 47 mmol/mol) indicates prediabetes, meaning increased risk of developing diabetes. An HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or above on two separate tests is diagnostic for diabetes. These thresholds should always be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall clinical picture.
Masdiag's HbA1c test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.