Glycated Albumin (Serum) by Line Blot Immunoassay
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, useful for those with diabetes or prediabetes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89523-5
- Short code
- GT1b Ganlg IgG Ser Ql Line blot
- Synonyms
- GT1b Ganlg IgG Ser Ql Line blot
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- line-blot
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
Glycated albumin (also called glycated serum albumin) is a protein in your blood that has bonded with glucose. This test quantifies the percentage of albumin that has been glycated, indicating how your blood sugar levels have been over a period of weeks. Unlike hemoglobin A1c, which measures red blood cell lifespan (~3 months), glycated albumin reflects more recent glucose exposure and may be more sensitive to short-term changes in blood sugar.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order glycated albumin testing if you have diabetes or are at risk for it, especially if you have kidney issues or are pregnant. It can also help monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes who cannot have an A1c test (e.g., due to anemia or recent blood transfusions). Some healthcare providers use it alongside A1c to get a broader picture of your glucose management.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum (liquid part of blood after clotting) is then analyzed using a line blot immunoassay method, which detects the glycated albumin protein with high sensitivity.
What Are the Results Used For?
Results help assess how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past few weeks. Compared to A1c, glycated albumin may respond more quickly to recent dietary or medication changes, making it useful for short-term adjustments in care plans.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides an alternative or complementary measure to hemoglobin A1c for evaluating long-term blood sugar control, particularly in patients with certain conditions that may affect A1c accuracy. It can help identify trends in glucose levels that may not be captured by A1c alone.
Short name
Glycated Albumin
Frequently asked questions
Why might my glycated albumin test be different from my A1c?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before this 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