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Fibrinogen blood test
Serum fibrinogen; Plasma fibrinogen; Factor I; Hypofibrinogenemia test
Fibrinogen is a protein produced by the liver. This protein helps stop bleeding by helping blood clots to form. A blood test can be done to tell how much fibrinogen you have in the blood.
How the Test is Performed
A sample of blood is needed.
Sample of blood
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have problems with blood clotting, such as excessive bleeding.
Normal Results
The normal range is 200 to 400 mg/dL.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
-
Body uses up too much fibrinogen, such as in
disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become overactive.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Fibrinogen deficiency (from birth, or acquired after birth)
-
Breakdown of fibrin (
fibrinolysis
)
Fibrinolysis
Fibrinolysis is a normal body process. It prevents blood clots that occur naturally from growing and causing problems. Primary fibrinolysis refers t...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Too much bleeding (hemorrhage)
The test may also be performed during pregnancy if the placenta separates from its attachment to the uterus wall ( placenta abruptio ).
Placenta abruptio
The placenta is the organ that supplies food and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy. Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the wal...
Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size, so it may be harder to get a blood sample from one person than another.
Other risks or slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
This test is most often performed on people who have bleeding disorders. The risk of excessive bleeding is slightly greater in such people than it is for those who do not have bleeding problems.
References
Schmaier AH. Laboratory evaluation of hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 131.
Review Date: 1/27/2015
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
