European Reference Laboratory for Glycohemoglobin

The European Reference Laboratory for Glycohemoglobin (ERL) is a specialized diagnostic and standardization facility focused on the measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Based in Zwolle, Netherlands, the ERL serves as a central reference point for the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP). The laboratory provides calibration services, proficiency testing, and quality control materials to ensure global consistency in diabetes monitoring. It plays a critical role in maintaining the traceability of HbA1c results to international reference standards. The organization works closely with diagnostic manufacturers to certify their methods against established reference systems, supporting the clinical management of patients with diabetes mellitus on a global scale.