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Implementation of Point-of-Care Hemoglobin A1c Testing at an Adult Primary Care Clinic
Bentil, Emma Margaret, Aitken Alison, Bovee
Bentil, Emma
Margaret, Aitken
Alison, Bovee
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Abstract
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) monitoring is an essential part of diabetes management. Compared with laboratory HbA1c testing, which limits in-person treatment discussions and can delay care, point-of-care (POC) HbA1c testing provides immediate results at patient visits, allowing for timely treatment discussions. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate POC HbA1c testing at a small primary care clinic in Burlington VT, including its feasibility, impact on disease management, and staff satisfaction with implementation. Specific aims were that 75% of diabetic patients seen for a diabetes management appointment during the project’s timeframe, would have a POC HbA1c test performed, and at least 80% of clinic staff would report satisfaction with the usability and integration of the new workflow. Interventions included selecting, obtaining, and integrating a DCA Vantage Analyzer into clinic operations, staff trainings, protocol development, electronic health record integration, and selection of appropriate patients. Outcomes measured were the proportion of eligible patients that received POC HbA1c testing and post-implementation staff surveys assessing device usability, workflow feasibility, and satisfaction with the new process. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic review of qualitative feedback. Of the 21 patients deemed eligible, 15 (71.4%) received POC HbA1c testing. All providers (100%) reported that POC HbA1c testing was easy to integrate into appointments, improved appointment efficiency, supported immediate treatment decisions, and strengthened patient engagement and communication . All support staff (100%) found the device easy to use and integrate into patient visits, and manageable within their existing workflow. This project demonstrated that POC HbA1c testing at this primary care clinic was feasible, effective, and well accepted by staff. It transformed delayed treatment decisions into real-time, patient-centered conversations. Ongoing device training will support sustainability, and future work should evaluate long-term outcomes, including diabetes quality measures and HbA1c levels.
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Date
2026-04-28