BACKGROUND: The measurement of hemoglobin A(1c) (Hb A(1c)) is employed in monitoring of @entity1 with @entity6 . Use of point-of-care testing (POCT) for Hb A(1c) results at the time of the @entity1 consultation potentially provides an opportunity for greater interaction between @entity1 and caregiver, and more effective care. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of current trials to determine whether POCT for Hb A(1c), compared with conventional laboratory testing, improves outcomes for @entity1 with @entity6 . METHODS: Searches were undertaken on 4 electronic databases and bibliographies from, and hand searches of, relevant journal papers. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The primary outcome measures were change in Hb A(1c) and treatment intensification. Metaanalyses were performed on the data obtained. RESULTS: Seven trials were found. There was a nonsignificant reduction of 0.09% (95% CI -0.21 to 0.02) in the Hb A(1c) in the POCT compared to the standard group. Although data were collected on the change in proportion of @entity1 reaching a target Hb A(1c) of <7.0%, treatment intensification and heterogeneity in the populations studied and how measures were reported precluded pooling of data and metaanalysis. Positive @entity1 satisfaction was also reported in the studies, as well as limited assessments of costs. CONCLUSIONS: There is an absence of evidence in clinical trial data to date for the effectiveness of POCT for Hb A(1c) in the management of @entity6 . In future studies attention to trial design is needed to ensure appropriate selection and stratification of @entity1 , collection of outcome measures, and action taken upon Hb A(1c) results when produced.

Point-of-care testing for Hb A1c in the management of XXXX : a systematic review and metaanalysis.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity6 :: ('MESH:D003920', 'Disease') :: ['diabetes']
@entity6 :: (MESH:D003920,Disease) :: ['diabetes']
