Fibrinogen concentration (serum/plasma)

What Is Fibrinogen Used For?

Fibrinogen is primarily measured to assess your risk of bleeding or clotting disorders. Low levels may indicate conditions like liver disease or vitamin K deficiency, while high levels could suggest inflammation, infections, or certain blood disorders. It’s also used in monitoring treatments for bleeding disorders or after surgeries.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like excessive bleeding, easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or if you’re undergoing treatment for a blood disorder. It may also be checked before surgeries or procedures that involve significant blood loss.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure fibrinogen levels using a method called turbidimetry, which detects changes in light scattering caused by fibrinogen particles.

What Do My Results Mean?

Results are typically reported as a concentration in grams per liter (g/L). While reference ranges can vary slightly by lab, lower than expected levels may signal bleeding risks, while higher levels might indicate underlying health concerns like infections or inflammation.