Serum Free Fructosamine
This test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three weeks by tracking a protein called hemoglobin that has been exposed to sugar. It helps assess long-term glucose control, particularly useful for people with diabetes.
["A useful tool to check how well your blood sugar has been managed over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14120-0
- Short code
- Deprecated PSA Free Fr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Deprecated PSA Free Fr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 4
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84153
- SNOMED
- 39392002
- 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?
Doctors may order this test to monitor long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Unlike hemoglobin A1c, which reflects average glucose levels over roughly three months, fructosamine gives a slightly shorter but still meaningful snapshot of how your body has handled sugar in recent weeks.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not provided as a specific numeric range, but they help healthcare providers determine if your blood sugar levels have been consistently within target ranges. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate poor glucose management or other health concerns.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then processed to measure free fructosamine levels in your serum.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated levels may suggest poor diabetes management, stress, infection, or certain medications. Low levels could indicate advanced diabetes complications, severe illness, or other metabolic issues.
Reference range
Normal: <4.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is particularly valuable for patients with diabetes who may not have stable glucose levels or those who cannot have an A1c test (e.g., due to hemolytic anemia or other conditions). It provides an alternative or complementary measure of glycemic control, especially in acute or unstable health states.
Short name
Free Fructosamine Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor request this test instead of an A1c?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test result?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy