Fibrinogen, Total (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the amount of fibrinogen in your blood, a protein that plays a key role in blood clotting.
["Fibrinogen helps your blood clot when injured, preventing excessive bleeding."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33138-9
- Short code
- GA from FTA.Osaka89
- Synonyms
- GA from FTA.Osaka89
- 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-fta-osaka
- 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
What Is Fibrinogen Used For?
Fibrinogen is primarily measured to assess your blood’s ability to clot. It can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting clotting, such as bleeding disorders or clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It may also be checked during pregnancy or after surgery to ensure proper clotting function.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like excessive bleeding, unusual bruising, or clotting issues. It could also be part of routine blood work, especially in cases of suspected clotting disorders, organ damage, or during pregnancy.
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 test if it’s part of a larger blood draw. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for a few hours beforehand if advised by your provider.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein, typically in your arm. The process is quick and usually painless. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it shouldn’t last long.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Fibrinogen
Frequently asked questions
Low fibrinogen levels may indicate bleeding disorders, liver disease, or severe infections. High levels could suggest clotting disorders, inflammation, or certain cancers. Monitoring fibrinogen helps guide treatment for conditions like DVT, surgery risks, or pregnancy-related clotting risks.
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
Check with your provider, as fasting may be required for some blood tests. Generally, you can drink water unless instructed otherwise.
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