Fructosamine
Fructosamine
The fructosamine test measures the level of glucose bound to proteins in the serum or plasma. Fructosamine is formed when glucose combines with proteins.
Glucose, a sugar used by the human body as the primary energy source for its cells, is acquired from the food consumed. With an elevated concentration of glucose in the bloodstream, a greater proportion of it will bind to proteins. As proteins remain present in the blood for approximately 14 to 21 days, the fructosamine test provides an overview of the average glucose levels over the previous 2 to 3 weeks.
Thus, it is recommended to undergo this test to understand how well glucose levels have been managed in diabetic individuals in recent weeks
Symptoms of diabetes
Feeling thirsty very often
Feeling hungry often
Fatigue
Urinating a lot
Losing weight without any effort
Numbing or tingling of hands and feet
Slow healing of any cuts or wounds
Recurrent infections
Dry skin
Blurred vision
Who should get tested?
If you have diabetes and are experiencing one or more of the following conditions, your healthcare provider may request the fructosamine test for you.
Hemoglobinopathy, an abnormal form of hemoglobin
Anemia
Recent loss of blood
Other conditions such as hemochromatosis that can impact the count or lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs)
Test preparation
This test requires no special preparation.
Interpretation of the Test Results
Reference range for the fructosamine, serum is 200-285 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L).
Fructosamine generally serves as an indicator of glycemic control in diabetic individuals within the past 1 to 3 weeks. Elevated levels are indicative of inadequate control
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the fructosamine test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this procedure does not take more than 5 minutes
Does this test pose any risks?
This test carries negligible risks. However, you may experience bleeding, infection, bruising, and a feeling of light-headedness
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for fructosamine test result?
The test results can be obtained within 1-2 working days after the sample collection. TAT may vary, depending on the particular diagnostic clinic
What factors can affect the fructosamine test result?
Elevated levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), lipaemia (turbidity in the samples due to lipoprotein particles), and haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) can affect the accuracy of test results
What is the difference between fructosamine test and hemoglobin A1c test?
The fructosamine test is used to determine the average blood glucose level over a period of two to three weeks, whereas the hemoglobin A1c test assesses the average glucose level over the past two to three months. Furthermore, these tests analyze different proteins that glucose binds with: the hemoglobin A1c test measures hemoglobin, while the fructosamine test measures total proteins
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