National Policy Implemented: Upper Biotech’s HbA1c Testing Platforms Empower Rapid Diabetes Screening for Elderly Populations in Primary Care
National Policy Implemented: Upper Biotech’s HbA1c Testing Platforms Empower Rapid Diabetes Screening for Elderly Populations in Primary Care
In June 2025, the National Health Commission of China issued the Notice on the Implementation of Basic Public Health Services in 2025, announcing that two new tests—digital chest X-ray (DR) and HbA1c—will be added to the free health examination program for citizens aged 65 and above.
This policy marks a major shift in national health management, accelerating the transformation toward “proactive prevention and resource deployment at the grassroots level.”
Ⅰ. Policy Interpretation
1. National Strategy for Elderly Health Management
With the rapid aging of the Chinese population and evolving lifestyles, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory illnesses has been rising significantly.
China currently has 141 million people living with diabetes (Source: IDF Diabetes Atlas 2023), with over 60% remaining undiagnosed in rural areas.
In this context, HbA1c testing has become an essential tool for early detection and ongoing management of diabetes.
2. Clinical Significance of HbA1c
HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months and is unaffected by short-term fluctuations.
It is particularly effective in identifying latent hyperglycemia in elderly individuals, helping to intercept this “silent killer” in time.
Studies indicate:
When HbA1c > 7.0%, the risk of retinal and renal microvascular complications multiples significantly;
Each 1% increase in HbA1c elevates:
Myocardial infarction and stroke risk by 18%
Renal failure risk by 40%
Therefore, HbA1c testing is not only fundamental in tailoring individualized glycemic control plans but also enables elderly patients to balance glucose management with hypoglycemia risk.
With this indicator now officially incorporated into national free health check-ups for those aged 65 and above, primary healthcare institutions urgently require precise and efficient diagnostic platforms.
Ⅱ. Upper Biotech’s Solutions for Elderly Health Examinations
1. Technological Advantages of the Ottoman, mini+, and Quker Platforms
Shanghai Upper Biotech has launched fully automated specific protein testing platforms—Ottoman, mini+, and the compact Quker system—which utilize a latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric method for HbA1c testing.
This methodology provides:
Rapid detection
High sensitivity and specificity
Automated operation
Multi-parameter compatibility
High precision and efficiency
Ottoman Platform
Simultaneous detection of CRP, SAA, PCT, and HbA1c enables clinicians to monitor both “acute inflammatory signals” and “baseline glycemic control,” providing critical insight for diabetic patients with infectious conditions.
mini+ Platform
Designed as an integrated “glycemic and renal function” testing system, it can measure HbA1c alongside renal biomarkers.
HbA1c → “Barometer of glycemic control”
Renal markers → “Detector of kidney damage”
Routine monitoring of both offers comprehensive disease assessment.
2. Tailored Solutions for Primary Care Institutions
Traditional analyzers often face three major barriers:
large footprint, high cost, and complex operation, which hinder the implementation of the new elderly health policy.
Upper Biotech’s platforms address these challenges with:
Individually packaged, ready-to-use reagent kits
→ Ideal for “small-batch, high-frequency” testing at township and county-level facilities
→ Eliminates reagent waste seen in large-scale systemsBundled consumables such as cuvettes and cleaning solutions
→ No additional expenses
→ Significantly reduces per-test costCompatible with both venous and finger-prick samples
→ Flexible and field-deployable
3. Quality Control and Standardization
Upper Biotech’s HbA1c testing platforms deliver:
High precision with CV ≤ 3%
Deviation controlled within ±3%, even at high concentrations
Built-in intelligent self-check on startup, minimizing human error
Additionally, the system has successfully obtained NGSP certification, confirming internationally aligned accuracy, consistency, and standardization.
Upper Biotech’s HbA1c platforms—defined by small footprint, low cost, and easy operation—perfectly meet the national requirements of “no added space, no additional staffing, and no increased maintenance.”
These platforms are transforming national policy into tangible diagnostic capacity at the grassroots level—allowing elderly citizens in township health centers to receive diabetes screening and management equivalent to that of tertiary hospitals.
A physician at a rural clinic commented:
“Previously, HbA1c samples had to be sent to the county. Now blood is collected on-site during health checks, and reports are generated within six minutes—efficiency has improved dramatically!”
