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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.

 

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)
  • Fibrinogen deficiency (from birth, or acquired after birth)
  • Breakdown of fibrin ( fibrinolysis )
  • 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 ).

 

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.

 

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            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.

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