Serum Free Fructosamine
This test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three weeks by tracking glycated proteins in your serum. It helps assess long-term blood sugar control, especially useful for people with diabetes.
["Helps track how well your blood sugar is managed over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47746-3
- Short code
- Serine SFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Serine SFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Blood Sugar Control
Unlike traditional blood sugar tests that only measure current levels, fructosamine reflects your body’s average blood sugar exposure over weeks. This can provide a clearer picture of how consistently your blood sugar stays within healthy ranges.
How the Test Works
Your blood is drawn, and the serum is analyzed to detect glycated proteins (specifically albumin). The test quantifies these proteins, which form when sugar binds to proteins in your blood over time. This process is influenced by fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the needle site, but this usually fades quickly. If you’re on diabetes medication, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
When This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have diabetes to monitor long-term blood sugar control, especially if you have frequent blood sugar swings or if traditional tests (like HbA1c) are unavailable or inconclusive.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fructosamine levels help identify trends in blood sugar control that may not be apparent from single-point measurements. Elevated levels may signal poor management of diabetes, while lower levels could indicate better control. It’s particularly useful for patients who experience rapid blood sugar changes or those who cannot get an HbA1c test.
Short name
Fructosamine Level
Frequently asked questions
Why is a fructosamine test different from an HbA1c test?
Does fasting affect fructosamine levels?
Can fructosamine levels change with diet?
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