Haemoglobin A2 measurement using high performance liquid chromatography.

Haemoglobin A2 levels were assessed using a modular high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system with a protocol designed for the measurement of haemoglobin A1C. There was good correlation (r = 0.96; P < 0.001) between this technique and the International Committee for Standardisation in Haematology (ICSH) recommended method of microchromatography. The range of haemoglobin A2 was found to be 2.3-3.2% in apparently normal individuals, and 4.0-6.7% in those with beta-thalassaemia trait. The HPLC system produced reliable results quickly for haemoglobin A2 with no alteration to the protocol used for measuring haemoglobin A1C.