Plasminogen Test-Why am I having this test?

Plasminogen is a protein that is made in the liver. It helps break up blood clots through a process called fibrinolysis. It is part of a complex body system that balances the processes of blood clotting and clot dissolving in the blood (fibrinolytic system).

The plasminogen test may also be called a fibrinolysin test. You may have this test:

• To help diagnose or monitor treatment for blood clotting disorders.
• If you have recently had multiple blood clots.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of plasminogen in the blood.

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 or by sticking a finger with a small needle.

How do I prepare for this test?

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines before your test.
• Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as a value that indicates how much plasminogen is in your blood. This will be given as CTA (Committee on Thrombolytic Agents) units of plasminogen per milliliter of blood (CTA units/mL).

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, a common reference range is 2.4–4.4 CTA units/mL.

What do the results mean?

A result that is within the reference range is considered normal, meaning that you have a normal amount of plasminogen in your blood.

A result that is lower than the reference range means that there is too little plasminogen in your blood. This may result from:

• A condition in which the proteins that control blood clotting are overactive, causing abnormal clotting processes to occur (disseminated intravascular coagulation, DIC).
• Liver disease.
• A syndrome associated with the body forming blood clots too frequently (hypercoagulation), such as colon cancer.
• Conditions that are present at birth (congenital) that cause an inability to make enough plasminogen.
• Lack of nutrients in the diet (malnutrition).

A result that is higher than the reference range means that there is too much plasminogen in your blood. In women, this may be caused by pregnancy.

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

• Plasminogen is a protein that is made in the liver that helps break up blood clots. You may have this test if you have recently had multiple blood clots.
• A result within the reference range is considered normal, meaning that you have a normal amount of plasminogen in your blood. Levels that are higher or lower than normal may be caused by specific conditions.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.