Fructosamine (Glycated Protein)

Benefits of the Fructosamine Assay

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Superior method

The Randox enzymatic method offers improved specificity and reliability compared to the conventional NBT-based methods as the enzymatic method does not suffer from non-specific interferences unlike the existing methods which can also be time-consuming and difficult to automate.

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Standardisation to the highest level

The Randox dedicated fructosamine calibrator and controls are assigned relative to human serum glycated with 14-C glucose, directly reflecting the nature of the patient sample.

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Excellent correlation

A correlation coefficient of r=0.98 was displayed with the Randox fructosamine assay was compared to commercially available methods.

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Liquid ready-to-use

The Randox fructosamine assay is available in a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease-of-use.

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Applications Available

Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox fructosamine assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.

Ordering information

Cat No	Size
FR3133	R1 5 x 25ml (L) R2 5 x 6.3ml	Enquire Kit Inserts Requests View MSDS Buy Online
FR4030	R1 4 x 19.8ml (L) R2 4 x 6.9ml	Enquire Kit Inserts Requests View MSDS Buy Online

(L) Indicates liquid option

Instrument Specific Applications (ISA's) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.

Diagnostic Uses

Clinical Significance

Fructosamine (glycated protein) has been identified as an early indicator of diabetic control compared to other markers such as HbA1c. RBCs live for approximately 120 days, HbA1c represents the average blood glucose levels for the previous 2 to 3 months. Conversely, fructosamine has a shorter lifespan, of about 14 to 21 days, reflecting average blood glucose levels from the previous 2 to 3 weeks ¹.

Fructosamine testing has been identified as being the best for patient care as HbA1c results can be inconclusive for several reasons. Genetic, haematological and disease-related factors negatively impact HbA1c levels, with low levels observed in late stage chronic kidney disease, conditions that shorten the lifespan of erythrocytes such as haemolytic anaemia, and in certain haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease ².

In gestational diabetes, fructosamine should be tested as HbA1c levels are difficult to interpret as HbA1c integrates glycaemia over the lifespan of the erythrocyte. Therefore, HbA1c is relatively insensitive to short term changes. Consequently, HbA1c testing isn't suitable in the monitoring of the effects of changes in medication. Fructosamine is a medium-term marker (shorter life span) and is a much more suitable test ².

Physiological Significance

In a diabetic patient where blood glucose levels are abnormally elevated, the concentration levels of fructosamine also increase as fructosamine is formed by a non-enzymatic Maillard reaction between glucose and amino acid residues of proteins. During this glycation process, an intermediate labile Schiff base is produced which is converted to a more stable ketoamine (fructosamine) via an Amadori rearrangement ³.

Drawbacks of Traditional Diabetes Tests

The Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test measures the level of blood sugars which is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes based on insulin function. The main drawback of this test is that a hormone called glucagon, produced in the pancreas, is triggered during prolonged fasting, signalling the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. In diabetic conditions, either the body is unable to generate enough insulin or cannot appropriately respond to insulin. Consequently, FPG levels remain high ¹.

In the 1980's, HbA1c was incorporated into clinical practice as HbA1c levels correlated well with glycaemic control over a 2 to 3-month period. The main drawback of this test is that any condition that reduces the survival rate of erythrocytes such as haemolytic anaemia will falsely lower the HbA1c test results regardless of the assay method utilised ³.