HbA1c by HPLC: how the SD Biosensor ULTRA C20 works
HbA1c shows a patient’s average blood glucose over the past weeks, so doctors rely on it to manage diabetes. A laboratory that reports it every day needs a method that is precise and does not tie up a technician.
What is the SD Biosensor ULTRA C20?
The SD Biosensor ULTRA C20 is a fully automated analyzer that measures HbA1c by ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It gives a result in 90 seconds in Fast mode, loads 20 samples continuously, and can also report haemoglobin variants on the same column and reagents.
Why laboratories choose HPLC for HbA1c
HPLC separates the haemoglobin fractions in the sample and measures each one. The laboratory sees a chromatogram, not just a number, and the ULTRA C20 reports HbA1c with a precision (CV) below 2 percent. To compare this with other methods, read HbA1c testing methods compared.
Three modes, one set-up
| Mode | Time per test | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fast | 90 seconds | Routine HbA1c |
| Fast Variant | 115 seconds | Routine testing with a variant alert |
| Variant | 150 seconds | Haemoglobin variant profiling |
The laboratory switches between modes without changing the column or the reagents. Variant mode reports HbA2, HbD, HbC, HbS and HbE alongside HbA1c and HbF.
How a sample runs
- Load: capped EDTA tubes go into the 20-sample auto loader; more can be added while it runs.
- Sample: the analyzer reads the barcode, pierces the cap and takes 5 µL of whole blood.
- Separate: haemoglobin fractions are separated on the column.
- Report: the result and chromatogram appear on screen and can go to the LIS.
Who it suits
The ULTRA C20 suits diagnostic laboratories, hospital laboratories and diabetes centres that run HbA1c every day and want haemoglobin variants reported on the same system. Milap has installed it at laboratories in Karnataka, and supplies its reagent, control, calibrator and column kits from Bengaluru.
Frequently asked questions
90 seconds in Fast mode, 115 seconds in Fast Variant mode and 150 seconds in Variant mode.
5 µL of EDTA whole blood.
In Variant mode it reports HbA2, HbD, HbC, HbS and HbE, alongside HbA1c and HbF.
About 6,000 tests in Fast mode, 4,000 in Fast Variant and 3,000 in Variant mode, depending on use.
Yes. It has a built-in barcode reader and LIS connectivity.
Running HbA1c every day?
Ask us for a demonstration of the ULTRA C20 in your laboratory.