Fructosamine (Serum) - Glycated Serum Protein

What Is Fructosamine Used For?

Fructosamine is primarily used in people with diabetes to evaluate how consistently their blood sugar levels have been managed. Unlike hemoglobin A1c, which measures glucose over roughly 3 months, fructosamine gives a snapshot of glucose levels over a shorter, more recent period (2–3 weeks). This can be particularly useful for tracking trends in glucose control in certain situations, such as when hemoglobin A1c results are unavailable or unreliable.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is processed to measure the level of glycated proteins (fructosamine) in your serum. Results are reported in arbitrary units concentration (µmol/L or similar standardized units).

Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?

Your doctor may recommend a fructosamine test if you have diabetes and need to monitor glucose control over a shorter timeframe than what hemoglobin A1c provides. It may also be used in patients with certain conditions that affect red blood cell lifespan (e.g., hemolytic anemia) or when hemoglobin A1c results are not interpretable.

What Do the Results Mean?

Fructosamine results are not standardized to a specific reference range across all labs, as they depend on the method used. Higher fructosamine levels generally indicate higher average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 weeks, while lower levels suggest better control. Your doctor will interpret the result in relation to your clinical picture and other tests.