Fructosamine
Chemical Pathology
Notes
Fructosamine is an indication of the average glucose concentration serum proteins were exposed to over their lifespan. As most of the glycated protein is generally considered to be albumin, the measured fructosamine concentration is proportional to the average glucose concentration over the preceding 2-3 weeks (in contrast to HbA1c values which indicate control over a 2-3 month period).
HbA1c is the best test for monitoring of diabetic control in the majority of patients, however in some patients this may be misleading (e.g. homozygous haemoglobin variant disease, or increased red cell turnover). In these situations fructosamine provides an alternate means of assessing glucose control.
This test is not appropriate in patients with low serum albumin levels.
Sample requirements
For adults, blood taken into a 5mL gold top tube (or rust top for the Acute Unit)
For children, blood taken into a 3.5mL rust top tube
Storage/transport
Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory. If unavoidable, samples can be stored refrigerated overnight.
Required information
Relevant clinical details including reason for the request.
Turnaround times
Samples are sent for analysis to Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London with results expected back within 2 weeks.
Reference ranges
For non- diabetics: 205 - 286 µmol/L
Further information
Analyte Monograph alongside the National Laboratory Medicine Handbook
Page last updated 04/02/2019