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Fibrinogen (Serum or Plasma) Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of fibrinogen in your blood, a protein essential for blood clotting. It helps assess your risk of bleeding or clotting disorders.

Quick summary

["Fibrinogen levels can indicate bleeding or clotting risks."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
11901-6
Short code
GA from BPD.Hadlock82
Synonyms
GA from BPD.Hadlock82
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
22
Ref high
198
Critical range
— – 10000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us-estimated-from-bpd-hadlock
CPT
82553
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 Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order a fibrinogen test to evaluate blood clotting function, diagnose conditions like liver disease (which can affect fibrinogen production), or monitor treatment for bleeding disorders or clotting risks. It may also be used in cases of suspected DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) or after trauma/surgery.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, discuss it with your doctor beforehand.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported as a concentration in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels may suggest bleeding disorders or liver disease, while very high levels could indicate inflammation or clotting disorders.

Common Conditions Affecting Fibrinogen

Abnormally low fibrinogen can result from liver disease, severe infections, or certain blood disorders. Elevated levels may be linked to inflammation, pregnancy, or certain cancers.

Reference range

Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Fibrinogen

Frequently asked questions

What causes low fibrinogen levels?
Low fibrinogen can be caused by liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), severe infections, pregnancy, or certain medications. It may also occur in conditions like DIC or after blood loss.
What causes high fibrinogen levels?
High fibrinogen is often seen with inflammation (e.g., infections, autoimmune diseases), pregnancy, or certain cancers. Rarely, it may be genetic.
Does diet affect fibrinogen levels?
Dietary factors like high saturated fat intake may indirectly influence inflammation, which could affect fibrinogen. However, diet alone rarely alters fibrinogen levels significantly. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding test timing.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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