Comparison of costs of hemoglobin A1c determination by point-of-care testing (POCT) and standard hemoglobin A1c analyzer

OBJECTIVE The use of the levels of hemoglobin A1c for the monitoring of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is an accepted method of clinical usefulness. A study was performed to assess the relative costs of hemoglobin A1c determination by diagnostic testing at or near the site of patient care (point-of-care testing, POCT) and using the standard hemoglobin A1c analyzer. METHOD A cost identification study was performed. The model of DCA (POCT) versus D10 (standard hospital method) in the Thai context was used. RESULTS The direct cost of the DCA is higher than that of the D10, but the indirect cost of the DCA is lower than that of the D10. The total cost of the DCA is lower than that of D10. CONCLUSIONS The total cost of hemoglobin A1c determination by the POCT format (DCA) is lower, which implies that the use of this approach is more economically appropriate.