Fructosamine Blood Test | London Blood Tests UK

Monitor short-term blood sugar control with our Fructosamine blood test from £68. UKAS-accredited testing, fast results, optional GP consultation.

The Fructosamine Blood Test measures glycated serum proteins to assess average blood glucose levels over the previous 2–3 weeks. Priced at £68, analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results typically available within 2–3 business days and an optional GP consultation for interpretation.

What is a Fructosamine Test?

Fructosamine is formed when glucose binds to serum proteins, primarily albumin, through a process called glycation. Because these proteins have a shorter lifespan than red blood cells, fructosamine reflects short-term glucose control, typically over the past 14–21 days.

Unlike HbA1c, which shows average glucose over 2–3 months, the Fructosamine Test is ideal for situations where rapid changes in blood sugar need to be assessed. It is especially useful for monitoring diabetes treatment adjustments, assessing glucose control during pregnancy, or evaluating glycaemic control in conditions where HbA1c may be unreliable.

The test provides clinicians with a timely snapshot of how well blood sugar has been controlled recently, making it a valuable tool in diabetes management and metabolic monitoring.

Benefits of the Fructosamine Blood Test

1. Reflects Short-Term Blood Sugar Control
   Measures average glucose over 2–3 weeks, allowing faster assessment of treatment effectiveness than HbA1c.

2. Ideal for Monitoring Therapy Changes
   Useful after starting or adjusting diabetes medications, insulin regimens, or lifestyle interventions.

3. Alternative When HbA1c Is Unreliable
   Beneficial in conditions affecting red blood cell lifespan, such as anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, or recent blood loss.

4. Useful in Pregnancy
   Provides short-term glucose monitoring in gestational diabetes where rapid changes are clinically important.

5. Detects Poor Glycaemic Control Early
   Helps identify rising glucose levels before they are reflected in HbA1c results.

6. Simple Blood Test
   Requires only a single blood sample with no prolonged preparation or multiple collections.

7. Optional GP Consultation for Interpretation
   A GP can review results and advise on treatment adjustments or further testing if needed.

Why Do I Need a Fructosamine Test?

You may benefit from a fructosamine test if you:

• Have diabetes and recently changed medication or insulin

• Need short-term glucose monitoring

• Are pregnant with known or suspected gestational diabetes

• Have conditions that interfere with HbA1c accuracy

• Are experiencing unexplained blood sugar fluctuations

• Require closer monitoring during illness or stress

This test complements HbA1c and fasting glucose, providing a more responsive indicator of recent blood sugar control.

How the Test Works

In-Clinic Blood Test

1. Book Your Appointment

   • Book online or by phone — no referral required.

2. Pre-Test Preparation

   • No fasting is required, unless combined with other fasting tests.

3. Blood Sample Collection

   • A trained phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample from your arm.

   • The procedure takes approximately 5–10 minutes.

4. Sample Handling

   • The sample is labelled and transported under controlled conditions to a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

5. Laboratory Analysis

   • Fructosamine is measured using a colorimetric or enzymatic assay.

6. Quality Control

   • Internal and external quality checks ensure analytical accuracy.

7. Results Delivery

   • Results are typically available within 2–3 business days via secure online access.

8. Optional GP Consultation

   • A GP can interpret results and recommend adjustments to diet, medication, or further testing.

At-Home Blood Draw (Home or Hotel Service)

1. Book a Home Visit

   • Choose a convenient time and UK-wide location.

2. Professional Phlebotomist Visit

   • A certified phlebotomist attends your home or hotel.

3. Blood Collection

   • A venous blood sample is collected safely and professionally.

4. Courier to Laboratory

   • The sample is transported the same day to the laboratory.

5. Analysis & Reporting

   • Fructosamine levels are analysed promptly.

6. Optional GP Review

   • Discuss your results with a GP if required.

Your Fructosamine Test Results – Explained

Fructosamine levels are reported in micromoles per litre (µmol/L).

Typical UK Reference Ranges

• Normal: 200–285 µmol/L

• Borderline: 286–320 µmol/L

• High: > 320 µmol/L

Interpretation

• Normal Fructosamine
  Indicates good short-term blood glucose control.

• Borderline Levels
  May suggest early dysglycaemia or suboptimal glucose control.

• High Fructosamine
  Reflects persistently elevated blood glucose over the previous 2–3 weeks.

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with fasting glucose, HbA1c, and clinical context. Conditions such as low albumin levels can affect fructosamine interpretation.