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

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.