What action should be taken if a glycated Hgb result is inconsistent with a fasting glucose result?

When a glycated hemoglobin (glycated Hgb) result does not align with the fasting glucose result, it indicates a potential issue with the accuracy or reliability of the tests conducted. The glycated Hgb test reflects average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, while fasting glucose provides a snapshot of blood sugar at a specific point in time. If these results are inconsistent, it raises concerns about the glycation process, possible hemoglobin variants, or other physiological conditions affecting the results.

Requesting a new specimen and repeating the glycosylated Hgb analysis serves to ensure that the initial results were not affected by factors such as laboratory error, improper sample handling, or transient conditions that may have skewed the results. Repeat testing can provide clarity, as this can confirm whether the initial glycated Hgb was accurate or if the inconsistency was due to an error or physiological variable.

Other actions, like performing a glucose measurement on the sample or conducting a hemoglobin electrophoresis, may not address the root cause of the inconsistency or may not be necessary at this stage, as the focus should be on reducing uncertainty surrounding the glycated Hgb result first. Reporting the glycated Hgb without further verification could lead to inappropriate