Book Fructosamine Test Online
Dr. PravalikaLast Updated on 21st January 2022Table of contents
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What is the Fructosamine Test used for?
The fructosamine test is used to help people with diabetes to monitor and regulate their blood glucose levels. Over a period of the past 2-3 weeks, the level of fructosamine in the blood reflects the level of glucose. Diabetic patients utilize the test to manage their blood sugar levels, especially in a short period. The test is especially beneficial during pregnancy since the fetus’s, and mother’s insulin and glucose requirements alter significantly. It’s also useful when disorders like blood loss, nutritional anaemia, sickle cell anaemia, and hemolytic anaemia impact the average age of red blood cells which makes the HbA1C or Glycosylated haemoglobin test not reliable for measuring average blood glucose levels.
What is included in a Fructosamine Test?
The fructosamine test includes the measurement of all blood proteins namely, albumin, globulin and others with which glucose binds. This helps in measuring average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 weeks.
Procedure of a Fructosamine Test
A blood sample is collected for the fructosamine test. An antiseptic liquid is applied to the upper arm area, and an elastic band is tied around the upper arm. Then the healthcare provider inserts the needle into a vein in the arm. They collect the blood and keep it in a tube with the patient’s name labelled on it. The blood sample is subsequently sent to a lab to be tested for fructosamine.
How to prepare for the Fructosamine Test?
There is no need to prepare or fast for the fructosamine test. You can take your normal medications, eat, and drink as usual before the test. All you have to do is keep a few factors in mind that might affect the amount of fructosamine in your bloodstream. Do you have any medical problems, allergies? Or are you taking any drugs? Then inform your doctor before the fructosamine test.
Things to consider after the Fructosamine Test is complete
A high fructosamine level indicates that blood glucose levels have been raised over the past 2 to 3 weeks. The higher the amount of fructosamine, the higher the average blood glucose level will be. It’s more important to track the trend of values than to observe a single high value. After taking this test, you do not have to take any special precautions unless mentioned by your doctor.
What type of conditions can the Fructosamine Test detect?
The fructosamine test for diabetes is one of those blood tests which is mainly used for determining the average blood glucose levels during the past 2 to 3 weeks. It is not as widely used as the Glycosylated haemoglobin/HbA1c test, which evaluates average blood sugar in the past two to three months.
This test is used to determine the effectiveness of treatment if you are advised of any new drugs in the past 2-3 weeks. Also used in pregnancy for blood glucose monitoring.
How much does the Fructosamine Test cost?
The cost of a fructosamine test ranges from 500 Rs to 1000 Rs. The fee will vary depending on the city, lab partner, and location.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the Fructosamine Test?
You can expect to get the results for the fructosamine test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal Fructosamine Test results indicate?
A high level of fructosamine in the blood means high average blood glucose levels in the past two to three weeks. The test is frequently repeated to track changes in fructosamine levels or when the HbA1C test is not reliable in certain medical conditions. It is wise to consult your doctor for a better interpretation of the result.
High Level
- A rise in fructosamine levels from normal to high may suggest that glucose management is inadequate.
- Blood glucose levels might also rise as a result of sickness or a lot of stress.
- A change in diet/medication and reassessment may be required to get the glucose under control.
Normal Level
A normal fructosamine level may suggest good glucose management and demonstrate the effectiveness of the present treatment strategy. Similarly, a shift from high to normal fructosamine levels might suggest that therapy adjustments were beneficial.
But this test is not recommended to diagnose diabetes.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is the Fructosamine Test a definitive test?
No. Because the Fructosamine test is not standardized and less accurate than the HbA1c test, it is used less frequently. A lot of overlap is there in ranges of fructosamine between healthy persons and diabetes patients. As a result, the fructosamine test must be viewed in the context of a person’s general medical history and trends in fructosamine values should be considered rather than a single value in the management of diabetes.
How to read the Fructosamine Test report?
The fructosamine test report can be interpreted as –
- 175-280 mmol/L – diabetes
- 210-421 mmol/L – controlled diabetes
- 268-870 mmol/L – uncontrolled diabetes
Please note that a single value of fructosamine is not recommended for the diagnosis or management of diabetes. Comparison with previous values is recommended.
Please consult your doctor for a better interpretation of the report and management of diabetes.
Fructosamine Test at home – how does it work?
The fructosamine test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm with antiseptic and then inserts a needle attached to a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vacutainer. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with the Fructosamine Test?
There is no such risk involved with the fructosamine test. However, a tiny bruise can occur at the site from where the blood has been taken. You may not feel anything from the needle when a blood sample is obtained. You may feel a sting or slight pain. However, this is normally just for a brief period of time and subsides on its own quickly. Men and women of all age groups can take this test.
What can affect the results of the Fructosamine Test?
Several factors can affect the results of a fructosamine test.
The result may be inconclusive in the case of:
- Thyroid disease
- Liver disease
- Intestinal disease(protein-losing enteropathy)
- Kidney disorders (nephrotic syndrome)
- Increased immunoglobulin level etc.
It is found that the fructosamine test levels are lower in people who are:
- Obese
- Pregnant
- Have low albumin levels.
Also, fructosamine levels are higher in people:
- Who is exposed to UV rays as it tends to increase body temperature
- Who did short term and acute exercise
- With increased antibody levels and
- Who has anaemia
Why book the Fructosamine Test?
- If you have diabetes, doctors may order a fructosamine test to assess how effectively you manage your blood sugar. This test is particularly useful for tracking the impact of short-term dietary, exercise, or pharmaceutical modifications without having to wait many months to test, as in the case of HbA1c, if needed.
- When the body goes through week-to-week changes during pregnancy, fructosamine tests can help to track sugar levels. Its shorter life cycle lets you and your doctor keep a closer eye on your blood glucose levels.
- In persons with conditions like anaemia, sickle cell disease, hemoglobinopathy, blood loss, fructosamine can be ordered instead of an HbA1c test as the later test is not reliable in such patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for fructosamine test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail of a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my fructosamine test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the fructosamine test?
Usually, you can avail of up to a 50% discount on fructosamine through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
Is it necessary to take the fructosamine test on an empty stomach?
No. The test is unaffected by whatever you ate throughout the day since it analyses glycated protein and calculates the average glucose over the previous 2-3 weeks. Fructosamine can be tested at any point during the day for the same reason.
Should someone with a family history of diabetes take the fructosamine test?
No. This test, unlike HbA1c, is not indicated for diabetes screening, even if the patient has a family history of diabetes.
If you have diabetes, should you take the fructosamine test?
HbA1C tests, which reveal glycemic control over the previous two to three months, can be used to track the sugar levels in the majority of diabetics for long term management as HbA1C is more reliable. Fructosamine testing can be beneficial during pregnancy if the mother has diabetes. In case a patient has diabetes along with other medical conditions where the HbA1C test is not reliable, a fructosamine test is used.
What is blood sugar-lowering agent resistance?
It is a resistance that the human body develops either against the hormone that leads to high levels of blood sugar or the blood sugar-lowering agent.
How reliable is the fructosamine test?
The fructosamine test is not as reliable as HbA1C for the management of diabetes.
A vast number of clinical investigations have found that fructosamine and glycemic control in individuals with renal failure have weak associations. Fructosamine is not a good measure for medium to long-term blood glucose monitoring in diabetic patients with CKD.
Also, this test is not reliable in certain liver diseases, thyroid disease, disorders related to the intestine, multiple myeloma etc.
Are there any precautions before taking the fructosamine test?
Avoid taking any vitamin C supplements for at least 24 hours before taking this test. This is because increased vitamin C levels may interfere with the results of this test.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.