Medical Emergencies · single question
HbA1c reflects glycation of a protein within which cell?
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Correct answer: A. Red blood cell
- A. Correct. HbA1c measures glycated hemoglobin inside erythrocytes. Because the RBC lifespan is roughly 120 days, HbA1c reflects average glycemia over the preceding 2-3 months — and conditions altering RBC survival (anemia, hemoglobinopathy) distort the result.
- B. Neutrophils circulate for only hours and are not used for glycemic monitoring.
- C. Hepatocytes produce fructosamine/albumin, which reflects a shorter 2-3 week window.
- D. Platelets have a lifespan of 8-10 days and do not carry hemoglobin.
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