Quality concepts related to standardization, in the context of glycated hemoglobin:
- Traceability: supports the standardization process. For glycated hemoglobin, we say that the measurement method is traceable when the results it provides are comparable and comparable to the international studies DCCT and UKPDS, which we have already mentioned, through comparison tests with reference laboratories; in this case we do it with the NGSP laboratories. This also makes it possible to demonstrate the equivalence of the results with other laboratories that are members of the network.
- Harmonization: consists of standardizing, in addition to the measurement methods and their results, other aspects to be taken into account during the total testing process, such as the type of sample to be used, units of measurement, reference values, interpretation and diagnostic decision criteria, among others, through the application of an international consensus protocol in order to issue a reliable result regardless of the laboratory that generated the information. In this sense, the NSGP is the international body dedicated to the harmonization of glycated hemoglobin measurement for the diagnosis and care of diabetes.
