Fibrinogen Test: Diagnosing Bleeding and Clotting Disorders

What is a fibrinogen test?

A fibrinogen test measures the level of fibrinogen in your blood. Fibrinogen is a crucial protein produced by the liver that helps your blood clot properly.

The main fibrinogen test purpose is to evaluate your blood’s ability to clot. When you get injured, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, forming a mesh-like network that traps blood cells and creates a clot to stop bleeding. Abnormal fibrinogen levels can indicate bleeding disorders, clotting problems, liver disease, or other health issues.

When is a fibrinogen test performed?

Your doctor may order a fibrinogen test if you have symptoms of a bleeding or clotting disorder, such as:

• Excessive or prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries
• Unexplained bruising or nosebleeds
• Blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)

The test is also used to monitor conditions that affect fibrinogen levels, like liver disease or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In some cases, it may be done before surgery to check your clotting ability.

What are the types of fibrinogen deficiency?

Fibrinogen deficiencies can be quantitative (not enough fibrinogen) or qualitative (fibrinogen doesn't work properly).

The main types include:

• Afibrinogenemia: You have little to no fibrinogen, causing severe bleeding problems. This is a rare inherited disorder.
• Hypofibrinogenemia: Your fibrinogen levels are lower than normal, leading to mild to moderate bleeding. It can be inherited or acquired.
• Dysfibrinogenemia: You have normal amounts of fibrinogen, but it doesn't function properly, causing either bleeding or clotting problems.

Acquired fibrinogen deficiencies can result from liver disease, severe infections, trauma, or certain medications. Fibrinogen test results can help determine whether your deficiency is inherited or acquired, and guide further evaluation and treatment.

How do I prepare for a fibrinogen test?

Typically, no special preparation is needed. It is simple blood sample test. However, inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you take, as some may affect results. For example, blood thinners like warfarin can lower fibrinogen levels

What can I expect after a fibrinogen test?

After your blood is drawn, you can usually resume your normal activities right away. The puncture site may be a little sore, and you might develop a small bruise, but this should resolve quickly. Serious complications are extremely rare.

What are the risks of a fibrinogen test?

The fibrinogen blood test is a low-risk procedure. Potential side effects are minor and may include:

• Pain or discomfort at the needle site
• Bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Rarely, an infection at the puncture site

Serious complications like excessive bleeding or haematoma (blood pooling under the skin) are uncommon.

Types of Fibrinogen Tests:   

1. Fibrinogen Activity Test: Measures how well fibrinogen functions
2. Fibrinogen Antigen Test: Measures the total amount fibrinogen protein
3. Thrombin Time (TT): Measures the time taken for thrombin to convert fibrinogen to fibrin

Results and Follow-Up

Fibrinogen test results show whether your fibrinogen levels are within the normal range (200–400 mg/dL). Low levels may indicate bleeding disorders, liver disease, or DIC, while high levels can suggest inflammation or heart disease risk. Depending on the cause of your abnormal fibrinogen levels, follow-up may include additional blood tests, imaging studies, or a referral to a specialist such as a hematologist.

What do the results of a fibrinogen test mean?

The normal range for fibrinogen levels is approximately 200 to 400 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Low fibrinogen levels (less than 200 mg/dL) may indicate:

• Inherited fibrinogen deficiencies like afibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia
• Acquired disorders like liver disease, DIC, or abnormal blood clot breakdown (fibrinolysis)
• Certain medications that affect fibrinogen production

High fibrinogen levels (over 400 mg/dL) can occur with:

• Inflammation or infection
• Injury or trauma
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptive use
• Some cancers

Abnormal fibrinogen test results don't always mean you have a serious health problem. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to make an accurate diagnosis.

What happens if I have a fibrinogen deficiency?

If your fibrinogen test reveals a deficiency, treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. The goal of treatment is to restore functional fibrinogen to prevent or control bleeding. For inherited disorders, your doctor may recommend:

• Fibrinogen replacement therapy: You receive fibrinogen concentrates or fresh frozen plasma transfusions to boost your levels, especially before surgery or dental work.
• Medications to prevent blood clots: If you have dysfibrinogenemia with a clotting tendency, blood thinners may be prescribed.

For acquired deficiencies, treating the underlying condition (like liver disease) often improves fibrinogen levels.

Conclusion

If you have symptoms of abnormal bleeding or clotting, or a family history of these disorders, a fibrinogen blood test can provide crucial insights. Work closely with your healthcare team to interpret your results, develop a management plan, and monitor your progress.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we understand the importance of accurate and timely diagnostic testing. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and skilled technicians ensure reliable fibrinogen test results to guide your care. With a nationwide network of collection centers and convenient at-home sample collection services, getting the tests you need has never been easier.

FAQs

Why is fibrinogen important for clotting?

Fibrinogen is a vital blood protein that helps form blood clots. During injury, it’s converted into fibrin, which acts like a mesh to stop bleeding. Without enough fibrinogen, clotting is impaired, increasing bleeding risk.

When should someone get a fibrinogen test?

Doctors may order a fibrinogen test if you have unexplained bleeding, blood clots, signs of liver disease, or are being evaluated for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It's also used to monitor clotting function before surgery or during pregnancy complications.

What is the normal range for fibrinogen?

The typical fibrinogen range is 200–400 mg/dL. However, reference values may vary slightly by lab. Levels outside this range could indicate a health issue that needs further investigation.

What causes low fibrinogen levels?

Low fibrinogen can result from conditions like liver disease, DIC, certain cancers, or inherited fibrinogen disorders. Severe bleeding or repeated transfusions may also lower levels.

What happens if fibrinogen is high?

High fibrinogen levels may signal inflammation, infection, trauma, or chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. It can increase the risk of blood clots and is sometimes seen in pregnancy or with certain cancers.

How should I prepare for the fibrinogen test?

No special preparation is needed. However, inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you're taking, as some may affect clotting or test results.

Can fibrinogen levels affect pregnancy?

Yes. Fibrinogen levels naturally rise during pregnancy to help prevent bleeding during delivery. However, abnormally low or high levels can indicate complications like preeclampsia or placental issues, requiring closer monitoring.

What happens if my fibrinogen test results are abnormal?

If your fibrinogen test results are abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or specialist referrals.

Is the fibrinogen test painful?

The fibrinogen test involves a standard blood draw, which may cause brief discomfort or a mild pinch. Any pain is usually minimal and short-lived.

Can fibrinogen levels change with exercise?

Yes. Strenuous or prolonged exercise can temporarily raise fibrinogen levels due to increased inflammation or stress response. Regular moderate activity may help maintain balanced levels.