Fibrinogen (Serum) Concentration
This test measures the amount of fibrinogen in your blood serum. Fibrinogen is a protein that plays a key role in blood clotting.
["Fibrinogen helps your blood clot when you have an injury, preventing excessive bleeding."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74583-6
- Short code
- VLCFA C24:0/C22:0 Fib
- Synonyms
- VLCFA C24:0/C22:0 Fib
- 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 Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for blood clotting problems, such as bleeding disorders or clotting disorders. It can also help evaluate liver function, since the liver produces fibrinogen. Sometimes, it’s used to monitor conditions like kidney disease or certain cancers.
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 part of a liver function panel, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, typically by a phlebotomist. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure fibrinogen levels using a specialized method, often turbidimetry or nephelometry.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or grams per liter (g/L). Low levels may suggest liver disease, clotting disorders, or severe infections. High levels could indicate inflammation, pregnancy, or certain blood disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Fibrinogen
Frequently asked questions
Low fibrinogen levels can indicate liver disease (like cirrhosis), severe infections, or blood clotting disorders. High levels may be linked to inflammation, pregnancy, or certain cancers. Monitoring fibrinogen helps diagnose and manage conditions affecting blood clotting or liver function.
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will discuss them with you during your follow-up visit.
Most often, no fasting is required unless your provider specifies otherwise. Always follow their instructions to avoid delays or inaccurate 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy