Glycated Albumin (Serum)
This test measures how much sugar (glucose) has been attached to albumin, a protein in your blood, over time. It reflects your average blood sugar levels during the past few weeks.
["Glycated albumin helps track long-term blood sugar control, especially useful for those with diabetes or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13873-5
- Short code
- Albumin Glycated MFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Albumin Glycated MFr SerPl
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 3 N/A – 14 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82040
- SNOMED
- 22383007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order glycated albumin to monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes who have kidney problems. It can also be useful for those who cannot have a traditional hemoglobin A1c test, such as those with certain blood disorders or recent blood transfusions.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to measure the glycated albumin levels in your serum.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a percentage, showing the proportion of albumin that has been glycated. Higher levels may indicate higher average blood sugar over time, which can be a sign of poor blood sugar control.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated glycated albumin can be due to consistently high blood sugar levels, often seen in diabetes. It may also be affected by certain medications, kidney disease, or other metabolic conditions.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 g/dLN/A
Fasting for 8-12 hours required. Water is permitted. Avoid chewing gum and smoking before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Glycated albumin is a useful alternative to hemoglobin A1c for assessing long-term blood sugar control in individuals with kidney disease or those who have had recent blood transfusions. It provides a snapshot of average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 weeks, helping healthcare providers adjust treatment plans to improve overall health.
Short name
Glycated Albumin
Frequently asked questions
What does a high glycated albumin level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect glycated albumin levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy