HbA1c determination from HemaSpot™ blood collection devices: comparison of home prepared dried blood spots with standard venous blood analysis

Aim To assess the clinical performance and patient acceptance of HemaSpot™ blood collection devices as an alternative blood collection method. Methods Adult men and women with any type of diabetes, routinely carrying out self‐monitoring of blood glucose were recruited (n = 128). Participants provided a venous blood sample and prepared two HemaSpot dried blood spots, one at clinics and one at home. HbA1c analysis was by Tosoh G8 high‐performance liquid chromatography. Participants also completed a questionnaire. Results Strong linear relationships been HbA1c levels in dried blood spots and venous blood were observed and a linear model was fitted to the data. Time between dried blood spot preparation and testing did not impact the model. Participants were accepting of the approach: 69.2% would use this system if available and 60.7% would be more likely to use this system than going to their general practitioner. Conclusions The combination of a robust desiccating dried blood spot device, home sample preparation and return by post produces HbA1c data that support the use of a time‐independent linear calibration of dried blood spot to venous blood HbA1c. A robust remote sample collection service would be valuable to people living with diabetes in urban areas who are working or house‐bound as well as those living in remote or rural locations. What's new? HbA1c determination from dried blood spots has been reported but results have been affected by stability issues, requiring methodologies which have included extended drying periods, and storage at low temperatures or for a limited period of time. HbA1c levels determined from HemaSpot blood collection devices show a strong correlation with venous HbA1c results, with the potential for calibration against the venous method used. Patient acceptance of the blood collection method was high, with 61.7% of participants indicating that they would be more likely to have their testing carried out if this method of blood collection was available. By providing patients with an opportunity to increase compliance with regular HbA1c testing, the use of venous calibrated HbA1c determination from HemaSpot blood collection devices provides the potential for improved glycaemic control.