Filter paper blood sampling for glycated haemoglobin determination and its use in the control of diabetes mellitus.

Blood sampling on filter paper was tested for determination of glycated haemoglobin. The method showed coefficients of variation of 3.4% and 4.1%, and linearity coefficients of 0.978 and 0.91 for the microchromatographic and colorimetric methods respectively. A blood sample on filter paper impregnated with 5% ethylene glycol solution remains stable for 8 days at room temperature. In a group of 30 diabetics educated in the filter paper blood sampling technique, no statistically significant differences were registered among the mean values of their blood glucose profiles, glycated haemoglobin levels determined at the hospital and those obtained at home 14 days after discharge. In conclusion, the use of blood spotted on filter paper seems a cheap and convenient method for collecting, storing and transporting samples for analysis of glycated haemoglobins. It is also a useful alternative for home monitoring of diabetics. Moreover, it could also be useful in epidemiological studies of diabetes.