39
Most Common Abnormality Indicated by the Test
Increased fructosamine indicates lack of or inadequate glucose regulation due to diabetes mellitus.
Fructosamine concentrations increase with poor glycemic control and decrease when glycemic
control improves. Less common, a low fructosamine may indicate prolonged hypoglycemia.
Sample Type and Precautions
IMPORTANT:
FRU is currently available in two different formulations and their supported sample
types vary:
Part Number
Supported Sample Type(s)
99-0000131
Serum
99-0003341
Serum or lithium heparin-treated plasma
(you can use the plasma generated from a
Catalyst* Lithium Heparin Whole Blood Separator)
Note:
Please refer to part number and labeling on the slide box for supported sample type
information.
It is important to separate the sample from the red blood cells as promptly as possible.
Serum is preferred for fructosamine testing as customer experience shows that it more consistently
provides good quality samples.
Examine the serum or plasma for hemolysis. Although IDEXX dry-slide technology dramatically
reduces the effect of this interfering substance, marked hemolysis can result in inaccurate
fructosamine results. Typically, marked hemolysis will lower the reported value on the Catalyst
analyzers.
Reaction Sequence
Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)
The enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase is membrane-bound. It is present in large quantities in the
kidney medulla and cortex and to a lesser extent in the small intestinal mucosa and bile ductular
epithelium.
Despite the high activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase in the kidney, renal disease does not result
in high enzyme activity in the serum sample. GGT in the kidney is primarily related to tubular lining
epithelial cells and the enzyme is localized to the apical portion of the cell. Pathologic changes in
these tubular epithelial cells result in loss of GGT directly into the urine. Measurement of GGT in the
urine can prove to be a sensitive indicator of tubular epithelial cell injury/nephrotoxicity.
Principal Reason for Performing the Test
As an indicator of cholestasis or gallbladder disease.
Most Common Abnormality Indicated by the Test
Increased GGT—cholestasis.
Sample Type and Precautions
Remove plasma or serum promptly from the cells or clot. If plasma is being collected, use
only lithium heparinized samples. Hemolyzed specimens should not be used. Do not use
fluoride/oxalate as an anticoagulant.
Complementary Tests
Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity is usually determined in conjunction with other tests of
hepatic function or damage.
Appendices
