Fructosamine (Serum)
This test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 weeks by assessing glycated proteins in your serum. It helps track how well your blood sugar has been controlled over time, especially useful in patients with diabetes or prediabetes.
["Fructosamine helps monitor long-term blood sugar control without needing a blood draw for hemoglobin A1c."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33102-5
- Short code
- GA from FL.Shinozuka96
- Synonyms
- GA from FL.Shinozuka96
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-estimated-from-fl-shinozuka
- 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 a fructosamine test if you have diabetes or prediabetes and need an alternative to hemoglobin A1c, especially if you have conditions like kidney disease or frequent blood transfusions that can affect A1c results. It’s also useful for patients who cannot have an A1c test or when immediate feedback on blood sugar trends is needed.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum portion of your blood is then analyzed in a lab to measure the levels of glycated proteins.
What Does the Result Mean?
While exact reference ranges can vary by lab, fructosamine levels are generally used to assess average blood sugar control. Higher levels may indicate poor glycemic control, while lower levels may suggest better control. Your healthcare provider will interpret the result in the context of your overall health and medical history.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Fructosamine levels can be affected by recent blood sugar fluctuations, certain medications (like steroids), or conditions that alter protein metabolism. If your results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fructosamine provides a snapshot of your blood sugar control over a shorter period than hemoglobin A1c, making it valuable for patients who need more frequent updates on their glucose levels. It can help identify trends in blood sugar management and guide treatment decisions, particularly in patients with unstable blood sugar or those who cannot have an A1c test.
Short name
Fructosamine
Frequently asked questions
What does a fructosamine test measure?
Can fructosamine replace hemoglobin A1c?
How often should I get a fructosamine test?
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