Fibrinogen (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of fibrinogen in your blood, a protein essential for blood clotting.
["Fibrinogen helps your blood clot properly and supports wound healing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3259-9
- Short code
- Fibrinogen Frg Ag PPP IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Fibrinogen Frg Ag PPP IA-aCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 200
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- 60 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 85384
- SNOMED
- 47279000
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may check your fibrinogen level if you have symptoms of bleeding disorders, clotting issues, or conditions like liver disease, which can affect protein production. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or to assess risk for blood clots in certain situations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s drawn from serum, but plasma samples may not require fasting. Avoid aspirin or other blood thinners for 48 hours before testing if instructed by your provider.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate fibrinogen from other components, often using a method like nephelometry or turbidimetry to measure its concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. Low levels may indicate bleeding disorders or liver disease, while very high levels could suggest conditions like multiple myeloma or acute-phase responses (e.g., infection).
Reference range
Adult: 200-400 mg/dLN/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fibrinogen plays a critical role in hemostasis (blood clotting). Low levels can increase bleeding risk, while high levels may signal inflammation, infection, or certain cancers. Monitoring fibrinogen helps diagnose and manage conditions affecting blood clotting or protein synthesis.
Short name
Fibrinogen Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low fibrinogen levels?
What causes high fibrinogen levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy