Fibrinogen (Serum or Plasma) Concentration
This test measures the amount of fibrinogen, a protein in your blood that helps form clots to stop bleeding. It’s often checked when you have bleeding disorders, clotting issues, or certain medical conditions.
["Fibrinogen helps control bleeding and supports blood clotting—low levels may indicate bleeding risks, while high levels could signal inflammation or other health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33097-7
- Short code
- GA from Fib Length.Jeanty83
- Synonyms
- GA from Fib Length.Jeanty83
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-estimated-from-fibula-length-jeanty
- 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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like excessive bleeding (e.g., easy bruising, nosebleeds, or heavy menstrual periods), unexplained clots, or conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or certain cancers. It’s also used to monitor treatments for bleeding disorders or clotting problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s quick and over in minutes. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration (e.g., grams per liter). Low fibrinogen levels may suggest bleeding disorders or liver/kidney issues, while very high levels could indicate inflammation or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fibrinogen is crucial for blood clotting. Low levels can lead to bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia or von Willebrand disease) or complications after surgery. High levels may signal acute inflammation (e.g., infections, trauma) or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Monitoring fibrinogen helps guide treatment for bleeding risks or clotting disorders.
Short name
Fibrinogen
Frequently asked questions
What causes low fibrinogen?
What does it mean if my fibrinogen is high?
Do I need to avoid certain foods before this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy