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Fructosamine (Serum)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures a type of sugar protein in your blood that reflects your blood sugar levels over the past two to three weeks.

Quick summary

["Helps track long-term blood sugar control, useful for diabetes management."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
11922-2
Short code
GA from FL.Hohler82
Synonyms
GA from FL.Hohler82
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
1.5
Ref high
9
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us-estimated-from-fl-hohler
CPT
83002
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 This Test Matters for You

Fructosamine helps doctors assess how well your body has been managing blood sugar levels over time, especially important if you have diabetes or prediabetes. Unlike hemoglobin A1c, which measures average blood sugar over roughly three months, fructosamine gives a snapshot of more recent glucose exposure.

How It’s Done

A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually in a clinic or lab setting. The test measures the concentration of fructosamine, a glycated serum protein formed when glucose binds to albumin.

What Results Mean

Results are reported in mass concentration units (typically mg/dL). Higher levels may indicate prolonged elevated blood sugar, while lower levels may suggest consistently lower glucose levels. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Common Uses

Fructosamine testing is often used in patients with diabetes to monitor glycemic control, especially when hemoglobin A1c results are unavailable or when immediate feedback is needed. It can also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to evaluate glucose metabolism more precisely than standard A1c tests.

Reference range

Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Fructosamine Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes high fructosamine levels?
High fructosamine levels are commonly associated with poorly controlled diabetes, where blood sugar remains consistently elevated over time. Other conditions, such as severe stress, infections, or certain medications that affect glucose metabolism, may also contribute. If your levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments, medication changes, or additional monitoring.
What causes low fructosamine levels?
Low fructosamine levels may suggest that your blood sugar has been consistently lower than normal, possibly due to effective diabetes management with medications, diet, or insulin. However, very low levels can sometimes indicate malnutrition or liver disease, so your doctor will review your medical history and other test results to determine the cause.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will determine the frequency of fructosamine testing based on your specific health needs. Typically, it may be ordered alongside hemoglobin A1c tests or if you have unique circumstances (e.g., recent changes in treatment, pregnancy, or illness). Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for the best timing and frequency.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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