[A new fructosamine test--as a routine parameter in the control of diabetes]

Measurement of protein glycation (fructosamine) has become an accepted tool in diabetes diagnostics. Among different methods available, the serum fructosamine test published by Johnson and Baker in 1983 has gained wide acceptance due to a simple and easily automated assay procedure providing clinically meaningful results. A recent modification of the Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) reagent, improved by addition of tensides and uricase, exhibits lower interference by lipaemia and urate. It is also less affected by the sample matrix and yields results closer to the physiological range of glycated proteins. Furthermore, a completely new standardization protocol was used in the preparation of calibration material. The new colorimetric method for the determination of fructosamine was evaluated in 12 European clinical laboratories.