Fibrinogen Test

Fibrinogen Test- Why am I having this test?

Fibrinogen test is performed to help diagnose a bleeding disorder. The test can also be used to monitor the severity and treatment of some diseases.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of fibrinogen in your blood. Fibrinogen is essential to blood clotting. Increased or decreased concentration of fibrinogen could indicate either a condition you were born with (inherited) or an illness that you got later in life (acquired).

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How do I prepare for this test?

There is no preparation or fasting required for this test. Be sure to tell the person performing the test if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

  • Adults: 200–400 mg/dL or 2–4 g/L (SI units).
  • Newborns: 125–300 mg/dL.

What do the results mean?

Results that are higher than the reference ranges may be caused by:

  • Acute inflammatory reactions.
  • Acute infection.
  • Trauma.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Certain cardiovascular diseases.
  • Stroke.
  • Cigarette smoking.

Results that are lower than the reference ranges may be caused by:

  • Liver disease.
  • Disorders that destroy or limit production of fibrinogen.
  • Poor nutrition (malnutrition).
  • Certain types of cancer.
  • Bleeding disorders that cause blood clotting factors to be overactive.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • The fibrinogen test measures the amount of fibrinogen in the blood in order to help find the cause of certain bleeding disorders.
  • Pregnancy affects the levels of fibrinogen in the body. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • Your results will be reported as values. Results that are higher or lower than common reference ranges may be caused by certain conditions and disorders.
  • Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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