Developing a reference system for the IFCC standardization of HbA2.

The importance of hemoglobin A 2 (HbA 2 ) as an indicator of the presence of β-thalassemia was established many years ago. However, clinical application of recommended HbA 2 cut off values is often hampered due to poor equivalence of HbA 2 results among methods and laboratories. Thus, the IFCC standardization program for HbA 2 was initiated in 2004 with the goal of achieving a complete reference system for this measurand. HbA 2 standardization efforts are still in progress, including the development of a higher-order HbA 2 reference measurement procedure and the preparation of a certified reference material in collaboration with the IRMM. Here, we review the past, present and future of HbA 2 standardization and describe the current status of HbA 2 testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]