Performance of Two Tests for Measurement of Serum and Plasma Fructosamine in Dogs.

Objective The goal of this study is to compare the performance of two assay methodologies for the measurement of fructosamine in canine serum and plasma. This study is not intended to validate either reagent, but to highlight differences between these reagents. Background Serum fructosamine is used clinically to examine average glucose level over a one to two week period. Determination of serum fructosamine can eliminate the necessity of multiple serum glucose measurements since it is not affected by short-term fluctuations in blood glucose levels. It is one of the most common alternatives used for assessment of glycemic control in diabetic patients. Methods A Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) fructosamine assay and a Fructosaminase™ fructosamine assay were tested for correlation, precision, stability, and interference for the measurement of fructosamine in canine serum and plasma. Results The NBT assay is more precise but low and intermediate fructosamine values were indistinguishable compared to the Fructosaminase ™ assay. High levels of lipid, hemolysis, or icterus may interfere significantly with both methodologies. Conclusions Both assays are useful for measuring serum and plasma fructosamine levels in canine samples but they do not correlate well and cannot be used interchangeably. Storage conditions, matrix used, (serum or plasma), and interference from lipemia, icterus, and hemolysis affect these assays differently. This highlights the need to interpret patient results carefully, particularly when they may come from multiple laboratories or clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]