Plasma Fibrin Degradation Products (FDP) – Quantitative
This test measures the presence of small fragments of fibrin, which form when blood clots dissolve naturally. These fragments can indicate whether your body is actively breaking down clots, a process called fibrinolysis.
["Assessing clot breakdown helps identify bleeding risks or excessive clotting activity."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98125-8
- Short code
- Intravascular coag + fibrinolysis Pnl
- Synonyms
- Intravascular coag + fibrinolysis Pnl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, or signs of clotting disorders. It’s also used to monitor conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or to check for abnormal clot breakdown after surgery or trauma.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw a blood sample. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. Avoid eating or drinking for 2 hours before the test if instructed.
What Happens During the Test
The blood sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to detect fibrin degradation products. The results help determine if your body is breaking down clots at a normal or abnormal rate.
What the Results Mean
High levels of FDP may suggest active fibrinolysis (clot breakdown), which can be seen in conditions like DIC, severe infections, or certain cancers. Low or normal levels typically indicate stable clot formation. Your provider will discuss these results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated FDP levels can signal underlying bleeding risks or complications from clotting disorders. For example, very high levels might indicate DIC, a life-threatening condition where clots and bleeding occur simultaneously. Monitoring FDP helps guide treatment decisions, such as blood transfusions or anticoagulant therapy.
Short name
FDP Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal FDP levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take anything to lower my FDP levels?
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